Quartier des Tanneurs

About

The Quartier des Tanneurs is one of Colmar’s most atmospheric districts, a reminder of the city’s artisanal past. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, this quarter was home to the tanners whose craft shaped the local economy. Narrow cobbled streets wind between tall half-timbered houses, built with high attics designed for drying hides. Restored in the 1960s, the neighborhood now offers visitors a glimpse into Colmar’s historic charm while serving as a lively area filled with shops, cafés, and cultural venues. Its picturesque architecture and riverside setting make it a favorite for photographers and travelers seeking authenticity. Walking through the Quartier des Tanneurs is like stepping back in time, where the legacy of craftsmanship blends seamlessly with the city’s vibrant present. It remains a symbol of Colmar’s ability to preserve heritage while welcoming modern life.

Colmar France

Location

Quartier des Tanneurs is located along Rue des Tanneurs in the heart of Colmar's historic old town, France, just northeast of Place de l'Ancienne Douane amid the Lauch River's gentle curves. This 17th- and 18th-century tanners' district features tall half-timbered houses with open upper stories once used for drying hides, now restored into a picturesque pedestrian lane of colorful facades and quaint charm. Nearby, the vibrant canals and half-timbered houses of La Petite Venise unfold steps away, alongside the Koïfhus customs house, Marché Couvert with its fresh market stalls, and landmarks like Maison Pfister, Collégiale Saint-Martin church, and lively squares teeming with cafés and shops for an immersive stroll through Colmar’s medieval heritage.