It was in the middle of the 19th century when it was decided that the whole of Alsace should be able to trade with the rest of the world via its waterways. The most important one, the Rhine, was a major artery far from other regional cities. It was therefore necessary to create a network of canals that would connect all these cities by water and open them to the world. Thus, among others, the Colmar canal was opened in 1864 to join the Rhone to Rhine canal, 13 kilometers away.
The merchant traffic that used to allow the transport of both early fruits and fabrics from Colmar has largely declined since the 1980s. Today, this charming canal is only used for pleasure boating, with the only exception of a tourist navigation managed by the German company BFS.
Landscapes and a rich built heritage
It is Stéphane Schmidt, founder of Alsace Plaisance, who guides us on the waters of this canal. With his wife and three other collaborators, Stéphane offers local boaters the sale, rental and maintenance of boats. The passage of all the permits ( coastal, offshore, river and CRR ) is offered by Alsace plaisance which has two locations, one in Kembs and the other in Hagenbach.
Starting from Neuf Brisach, we will visit the optics museum and the Gallo-Roman museum. We will continue by a peaceful navigation to the pretty stop of Kunheim
" Located halfway, it offers all the services "explains Stéphane. Indeed, boaters will find in Kunheim both shops and all services. Three electricity terminals, water and sanitary facilities are available to all.
Continuing the road, it is at the farm of Lily Husser, in Muntzenheim that we will stop to taste strawberries produced on the spot. Something to delight young and old gourmets. On the way, don't miss the visit of the astonishing and charming St Urbain Church in Muntzenheim.
Don't miss the bread and kouglof from Vincent Ley's farm in Wickerschwihr, on the left bank. Just opposite, in Bischwihr, do not miss the restaurant "le Relais du Ried .
A little further down the road, in Holtzwihr, there is a local market every Friday afternoon. And the farm " The flavors of the Ried" produces ancient vegetables and aromatic herbs not to be missed.
Finally arrives Colmar, the destination of this canal, which displays all the architectural beauty of the region. Little Venice is the place not to be missed by gondola. And, at the end of the day, get lost in the lively streets not far from the town's marina.
" Be careful when arriving, the fishermen are gathered on a short distance and, sometimes, the cohabitation can be somewhat tense "explains Stéphane. So we might as well get off our feet and sail at human pace to admire the landscapes and local architecture even better.
Not to be missed in Colmar, the Statue of Liberty erected on July 4, 2004 in honor of the sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.
A marina and some facilities
" The Colmar canal, despite two annual mowing operations carried out by VNF, is full of algae " alerts the manager. " It is therefore necessary to pay close attention to the condition of the water intakes and engine coolers. "The canal is also subject to siltation, due to the lack of navigation that would displace the inevitable deposits in the bottom of the river.
Nevertheless, this small canal offers some very pleasant places to stop for a meal, a nap or more.
" You can moor just about anywhere, the bottom is safe and the banks are stable. The stakes are essential to avoid cutting the haulage or the counter haulage "adds the manager of Alsace Plaisance.
" There are 3 locks to pass on the canal, all automatic, without any difficulty "he adds.
" The main destination, Colmar, offers a blue flag marina where you can find absolutely all services. A black water pump is available on site and it is ideally located to visit the little Venice with a gondolier and the historical center of the city "explains Stéphane.
" A total of 58 moorings, fuel, electricity, drinking water, and black and grey water emptying are available to boaters "explains the port manager. For breakfast, a pastry service is available every morning from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. At the harbor master's office, WIFI is free and some decking is available.
The port of Colmar offers crane services for launching. The only other access to the eponymous canal is from the Rhone-Rhine canal, via the locks.
Local tips and tricks
" The navigation on this short canal does not present any difficulty as long as you take your time and admire the landscapes "explains Stéphane Schmidt. Calm, relaxation and serenity will be the first targets of the visitors of the canal, it is obvious.
However, one is not bored in the surroundings.
The nautical base of Colmar offers a beach of almost 400 meters wide. It is possible to practice almost all water sports activities under supervision in summer.
South of Colmar, in Eguisheim ( accessible via the Thur ), you must visit the old walled city. It is not without reason that Eguisheim has been classified as the French people's favorite village!
Finally, for those who are not satisfied with the rich gastronomy of this beautiful region, the chocolate museum of Colmar is worth a visit.
The banks of the canal are not overly developed. In other words, the management establishment counts - and it is right - on the civic-mindedness of boaters to manage their waste themselves, to sort it and to deposit it in the few places provided for this purpose.
The descent of the Colmar canal is an opportunity to pass from the bubbling Grand Canal of Alsace to the peaceful landscapes that will lead you to Colmar. An enchanted interlude in short.
The Colmar Canal in brief
- Length: 13 kilometers
- Locks: yes, 3
- Speed limit: 6 kilometers per hour
- Border crossing : No
- Vignette / navigation tax : Yes
- Managing institution: Voies Navigables de France
- Renters : Les Canalous
- Departments : Haut-Rhin
- Minimum air draft : 3.55 meters
- Minimum draft : 1.60 meters
- Period of unemployment : From January to March
- Smartphone application ? : No
