Name-dropping...

Very traditional Alsatian architecture

Colmar. Now, there are a lot of fascinating, wonderful things I could tell you about this little town in the heart of Alsace. But I've chosen one fact that I think will really stick with you. That way when someone name-drops Colmar in a sentence, you'll be able to follow up with this little historical tidbit.

"Colmar? That's where Charles the Fat held a diet in 884."

Not even kidding. You can look it up in a French history book. Apparently King Charles III of East Francia was more commonly known by his nickname. (And unfortunately, 'Charles the Great' had already been taken by Charlemagne.)

Also, in this case, a 'diet' refers to is a formal meeting or assembly.


Colmar is much more colorful than many French towns. Kinda reminded me of Florida houses.


I love the windows.


The canal in the Old City


Display outside a wine shop


Creative recycling here.


Pigeon the Fat?


Judie and Noémie - two of the highlights of Colmar for me


One church, three names: The Église Saint-Martin (St. Martin church) was also a collegiate church, so is known as the Collégiale Saint-Martin, and because of its large size, as Cathédrale Saint-Martin. So in the US, that would be like calling it First, Second and Third Baptist Church :)


Arch of the Collégiale Saint-Martin


The morning market in front of the church


Jonathan and Vincent (with Noémie on his shoulders) in the Old City


Vincent and Claire put on a mini-concert for us




Remember this picture. You'll see it again soon...




It's official. My kids have to speak French. It's just too stinkin' cute.


Jonathan heading to the train station

And remember..."Colmar? That's where Charles the Fat held a diet in 884."