projection mapping show of Amiens Cathedral

2014 Projection mapping of 

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens

[French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens]

 

Episode of projection mapping of Amiens Cathedral "Chroma"

Tomo&Chouchou went to Amiens for hiking and projection mapping show. We were looking forward to seeing projection mapping show of Amiens Cathedral. Amiens Cathedral is the tallest cathedral in France, so it's already impressive. But Amiens Cathedral was totally different from usual. 

Music was playing during the show. So the show was more fantastic. The color of Amiens Cathedral changed every minutes. The Cathedral looked different every minutes. Each moment of Cathedral was beautiful. So we couldn't stop taking photos. It was very colorful. We could see saints more clearly. Facade was extremely beautiful. It was really worth to see it. We could only see it once because it was group tour. If it was not group tour, we would have watched it over and over again. Anyway we had a great Christmas time in Amiens!

 

Information

Chroma : Projection mapping show at Cathedrale Notre-Dame

a part of Amiens Christmas Market [French: Marché de Noël à Amiens]

Period: from Late November to Late December

Time: at 19h (From Monday to Thursday), at 20h30 (From Friday to Sunday)

50 minutes show 

Relating articles

- Christmas Market in Amiens / Marché de Noël à Amiens

 

Chartres Cathedral [Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres] in France

the Chartres Cathedral/ Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Chartres
French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
((UNESCO)) French Gothic architecture
Location: Centre-Val-de-Loire region. 87km southwest of Paris

 

the Chartre Cathedral/ 

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Chartres 

[French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres ] 

 

 

Chartre Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

 

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Inside the cathedral

the pipe organ in Chartres Cathedral

the large rose window and lancet windows
We could find the 'fleur de lis' in the stained glass windows.

In the ambulatory corridor, we could see the choir screen.
 

 

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behind the cathedral

Backside of the Chartres cathedral

Episode of Chartres Cathedral

Tomo & Chouchou loves World Heritage sites. Chartres Cathedral/ Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres [Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartresin French] is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chartres Cathedral is one of the finest French Gothic architectures. Moreover International Organ Festival was held at that time, so we decided to visit Chartres Cathedral from Paris by car.
As its fame, the appearance of the Chartres Cathedral was impressive and spectacular. 

Inside the cathedral, it was a bit dark. But there was the antique atmosphere. It was simply nice and sacred. When we arrived at Chartres Cathedral, International Organ Festival was already started. We could listen to the music of the pipe organ. We felt that we weere back in the Middle Ages.
It was very beautiful inside the cathedral. There were many stained glass windows. Especially, the large rose windows and lancet windows were marvelous. In the stained glass windows, we could find the 'fleur de lis' which was French heraldry [coat of arms]. In the ambulatory corridor, we could see the beautiful choir screen. The sculptures of choir screen were glorious. 

We looked around the cathedral. The sculptures outside the Chartres Cathedral were also superb. There was a small garden behind the cathedral. We could see the view of Chartres city from there. 

We were very healed with the music of pipe organs. We had a refleshing and relaxing time in Chartres Cathedral.

 


For your information
There are some events at Chartres Cathedral in summer.

Open hours: 8:30 - 19:30

* International Organ Festival [Le Festival International d'Orgue]
   every sundays in July and August at 16h30

* Summer evening [Les Soirées Estivales]
   open until 22h on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays in July & August because of Soirées autrement

*Soirées autrement : different evening events
  from 21h on Tuesdays: Pop speach
  from 21h on Fridays: Stendgrass history
  from 21h on Sundays: music event

Canela in Brazil

Canela is a town located in Rio Grande do Sul.

 

the Cathedral of Stone/ Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes
[Portuguese: Catedral of Pedra/ Catedral Nossa Senhora de Lourdes]

 

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the Ferradura Park/ Horseshoe Park 

[Portugues: Parque da Ferradura].

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- Caracol State Park -

[Parque Estadual do Caracol]

There was a waterfall called "Caracol falls 

[Portuguese: Cascata do Caracol]".

 

We found another waterfall upstream called "Corredeiras".
 

 

There are lots of tropical trees in the Caracol State Park.

We found a big tall tree!!
We hugged that tree and we got the power from the tree.

Episode of Canela

One of our Brazilian friends drove from Porto Alegre to Canela. Another one of our Brazilian friends waited for us in Canela. His family are from Canela. He brought us to the beautiful places in Canela.
There was the nature in Canela. Canela has peaceful atmosphere.
We were so nervous in the big cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro because it was not so safe. On the other hand, we could be relaxed in Canela.
 

First, we went to see the Cathedral of Stone/ Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes [Catedral of Pedra/ Catedral Nossa Senhora de Lourdes in Portugues] which is located in the center of the town. It was a big beautiful Catholic church.

Next, we went to the Ferradura Park/ Horseshoe Park [Parque da Ferradura].
Ferradura means a horseshoe in Portugues. This Park was named as Ferradura" because the jungle shape in this park looked like a horseshoe. After we heard this story, we  saw the landscape again. It really looked like a horseshoe! :-)
When Tomo saw this landscape, Tomo was so moved. The nature made her cry.
We were overwhelmed by the greatness and power of the big nature. We felt human beings were very tiny comparing to such scale of the nature. We also felt that our worries were nothing and we even felt ashamed to worry such tiny stuff.

We also went to the Caracol State Park [Parque Estadual do Caracol].
In the Caracol State Park, there was a waterfall called Caracol falls [Cascata do Caracol]. When we went up along the river, we could see the another waterfall called Corredeiras. In Parque Estadual do Caracol, there are lots of tropical trees.
Walking in the park was enough enjoyable. While walking in the Caracol State Park, we found a big tall tree! We hugged that tree and we got the power from the tree!
 

Canela is famous for the natural parks. We think natural parks in Canela are powerful energy spots! We were healed by the power of the nature in Canela!

Relating articles

* Sightseeing city bus tour in Porto Alegre

* Sightseeing places in Porto Alegre (2)

* Gaúcho (Cowboy) & Brazilian specialty (Churrasco, Chimarrão, Cachaça)

* Downtown "Centro" in Rio de Janeiro

* São Paulo

São Paulo in Brazil

Arrived in São Paulo

 

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Liverdade district

(Japanese community district in Sao Paulo)

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a big rubber tree in Ibirapuera Park 

[Portuguese: Parque do Ibirapuera].

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There was a monument called "Monumento às Bandeiras" 

around the Ibiraquera Park.

 

 

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São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral
[Portuguese: Cathedral Metropolitana de São Paulo]

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We found the people playing Capoeira, done in a Roda, 

at the corner of the street.
Two people were having a combat in the circle.
People who make a circle sing a song and play the instruments such as a Berimbau.
They have a combat by turns. 

 

 

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We went to the Municipal Market of São Paulo 

[Portuguese: Mercado Municipal de São Paulo].

We ate a big sandwich "Sandwich de Mortadela" in Municipal Market.

Episode of São Paulo

Tomo&Chouchou have friends in Sao Paulo. So they picked us up at the airport and they guided us in Sao Paulo.

Firstly, we went to "Liverdade" district where Japantown is. We found Torii Osaka bridge. (Torii: an arch which is normally located at the entrance of Shinto temples)
We were very happy to know that Japan and Brazil have a friendship.

Next, we went to Ibirapuera Park [Parque do Ibirapuera]. In Ibirapuera Park, there were a lake and lots of green. We were surprised to find a big rubber tree!
We felt that we're in Brazil at that moment.
Around the Ibirapuera Park, we saw a monument "Monumento às Bandeiras" from the car window.

Then, we went to the São Paulo See Metropolitan Cathedral [Cathedral Metropolitana]. Our friends said it's dangerous to go to Cathedral Metropolitana and to show the camera there. So we gathered and protected each other, we entered the Cathedral. We were afraid of taking out our camera from the bag. So we couldn't take a photo.

People in Sao Paulo say Rio de Janeiro is more dangerous than Sao Paulo. People in Rio de Janeiro say São Paulo is more dangerous than Rio. Personally, we felt scared when we walked around the station in São Paulo. We didn't feel scared so much in Rio de Janeiro because we moved by car with a tour guide. 

We found the people playing the instruments on the street in Sao Paulo. They played the music together. It was very cheerful and heartwarming !
We also found the people playing Capoeira, done in a Roda, at the corner of the street. Capoeira was very fast movement. It was very thrilling. People make a circle, sing a song and play the instruments such as a Berimbau. When we clap the hands with their music, we could feel that we also join their Capoeira. It was very enjoyable. We couldn't stop watching Capoeira.

After watching Capoeira, We went to the Municipal Market of São Paulo [Mercado Municipal de São Paulo]. We ate a big sandwich called "Sandwich de Mortadela" in Mercado Municipal. It was good.

We could see the ordinary life of Brazilians and typical Brazilian scenes in São Paulo. São Paulo was the good place to know Brazilian culture!

Tomo & Chouchou's advice for São Paulo

We advise you not to travel alone, especially on foot in Sao Paulo. You had better join the tour or travel by car.

Episode of the flight from Japan to Brazil

Tomo&Chouchou went to Brazil from Japan. We took Delta airline. We flew from Narita to Detroit, then flew from Detroit to Sao Paulo. Every time cabin attendants move in the plane, they put on the air-conditioner and set the lower temperature.
So it was extremely cold and it was tough to stand. Tomo had sweater, scarf, cap, and jacket in the hand luggage as Brazil was in winter at that time. Tomo wore all of them. Even though Tomo felt cold. Tomo caught a cold before arriving in Brazil... Flight hours are very long so we felt Brazil is located on the opposite side of Japan on the earth.

Relating articles

* Downtown "Centro" in Rio de Janeiro

* Christ the Redeemer [Cristo Redentor]

* Sugarloaf Mountain [Pão de Açúcar] & Copacabana

* Sightseeing city bus tour in Porto Alegre

* Sightseeing places in Porto Alegre (2)

Nouméa in New Caledonia

Nouméa is the biggest city in New Caledonia [French: Nouvelle-Calédonie].
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France, so people speak French.

Sightseeing: Downtown in Nouméa

La place des Cocotiers is very large park 

located in the center of Nouméa.
 There were a fountain and lots of coconut trees in the park.

the view from FOL hill
We could see the downtown of Nouméa, Baie de la Moselle,

 and lots of yachts from the top of the hill.

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We hurried to the Marché.

Juice bar in the Marché.

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We found the Nouméa Cathedral.
while walking in Nouméa.

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Climb up the Hill Ouen Toro

There was a cannon on the top of the Hill Ouen Toro.

This cannon was placed during the world war Ⅱ.

Sunset from the top of the hill Ouen Toro. 

 

 

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Dinner at the hotel

Polynesian dance show at the restaurant

Episode of Nouméa

Nouméa is not so big city even though it is said that it is the biggest city in the main island of New Caledonia. But it's a bit tough to walk in Nouméa because it's very hilly. So people often ride a bus instead of walking. But the buses don't arrive on time. So you need to be so slow and relaxed as local people.
Firstly, we went to 'La place des Cocotiers' located in the center of Nouméa.
It was very large park and it had very tropical atomosphere.
There were a fountain and lots of coconut trees in the park.
It was very tropical mood. In Place des Cocotier, local people sit on the bench and do nothing or eat lunch.
Next, we went up to the FOL hill. It was tough to climb up the hill and we sweated a lot. We could see the downtown of Nouméa and Baie de la Moselle bay from the top of the hill. It was a beautiful view with lots of yachts and blue ocean.
Then, we hurried to the Marché because the market was open only in the morning. There were many tropical fruits and vegetables in the Marché. We also found some shops which sell jewelries and accessories.
Tomo & Chouchou wanted to see the sunset from the top of the hill, so we climbed up the Hill Ouen Toro. It was the steep slope. Anyway we met several people going up the Hill Ouen Toro for the sunset like us. It was beautiful sunset from the hill. We took the sunset photos then we went down.
We booked a restaurant in the hotel which serve the foods while watching Polynesian dance show. There was the sea beside so we could eat seafoods such as a big lobster and shrimps. Tomo was proposed to dance together by a little boy who performed Polinesian dance during the show. This little dancer pulled Tomo to the stage and they danced together. After dancing, he gave a necklace made in seashells as a gift to Tomo. He gave a good memory!

Relating article

-> The Isle of Pines[Île des Pins], New Caledonia(1)

Downtown "Centro" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Local guide drove us to show the center of Rio de Janeiro "Centro".

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Sambadrome da Marquês de Saucaí 

 [Portuguese: Sambódromo da Marquês de Saucaí].

 many samba-costumes displayed in Sambadrome [Portuguese: Sambódromo].
It's enjoyable even to see them but we can also try them !

the Marquês de Sapucaí street  

in Sambadrome [Sambódromo].
 Tomo & Chouchou took a photo with samba costume there.

 

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We went back to the car.

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On the way to the next sightseeing spot,

we saw the Carioca Aqueduct 

[Portuguese: Aqueduto da Carioca/Arcos da Lapa].

 

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The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

[Portuguese: Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião]

 

Exterior of
the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro 

[Portuguese: Catedral Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro] 

 

 

Interior of  

the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

[Portuguese: Catedral São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro]

 

Episode of Centro in Rio de Janeiro

Tomo & Chouchou asked a local tour guide to show Rio de Janeiro. Local guide drove us to show the city of Rio de Janeiro all the time.

First, we went to the center of Rio de Janeiro; "Centro". Then, we visited Sambadrome da Marquês de Saucaí [Sambódromo da Marquês de Saucaí in Portuguese]. Sambadrome [Sambódromo] is the place where samba schools parade competitively during the Rio Carnival.
In Sambadrome, there are many samba-costumes displayed. All costumes were very colorful. We could feel the samba beat already. We can choose our favorite one from the displayed costumes and we can wear it. We can take a photo with samba costume on the Marquês de Sapucaí street where the samba parade is held. Of course, we didn't wanna lose such an opportunity. We decided to wear the samba costumes! We spent time to choose the one and we wore them. We took a photo with samba costume on the main samba parade street as our special memory. It was very precious moment for us.
We heard that the ticket for the samba schools parade competition during carnival was extremely expensive and very difficult to get it. It was not during the carnival but we could enter such famous Sambadrome. So we felt we were very lucky to take a photo in this Sambadrome.
FYI, 2016 Summer Olympics was take place in Rio de Janeiro.
Archery and the athletics marathon was take place in Sambadrome [Sambódromo].

We went back to the car to go to next place, then we saw the Carioca Aqueduct [Aqueduto da Carioca/Arcos da Lapa in Portuguese].

Next, we visited the pyramid-shaped building; The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião).
Exterior of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro [Catedral Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro] was a bit dark but the shape was unique. However interior design of Catedral São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro was modern and especially stained glass was very beautiful. It was interesting to discover modern cathedral in Rio de Janeiro.


Relating articles

* Christ the Redeemer [Cristo Redentor]

* Maracanã Stadium [Estádio do Maracanã]

* Sugarloaf Mountain [Pão de Açúcar] & Copacabana

* Sightseeing city bus tour in Porto Alegre

Bordeaux, France

 

Tomo & Chouchou parked our car near the park "Jardin Public".

 

 

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We walked to the town square 

"Place des Quinconces".

 Monument aux Girondins

 

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Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

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Bordeaux Cathedral 
"Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux"

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the funny-designed courthouse "Palais de Justice".

 

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We went back to the car parking.

Episode of Bordeaux

Tomo&Chouchou went to Bordeaux by car. We parked our car near the park "Jardin Public", then we went to the town square "Place des Quinconces".
As soon as we approach there, we could find the shining white monument "Monument aux Girondins".
In the square, there are some shops to get some foods such as kebab, potato fries and sandwiches. We also saw antique market beside Place des Quinconces.

Next, we walked ahead to the Grand Théâtrede Bordeaux. As soon as we arrive there, we were impressed to see the beauty of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux.
On the gland floor, there is an elegant cafe. Around the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, there are very beautiful buildings, trams which run in front of the theatre, and fashionable shopping street. It looked very convenient and easy to live in Bordeaux.

After that, we went to Bordeaux Cathedral. Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux is a typical Gothic cathedral in Southern France.

Lastly, we found the funny-designed courthouse "Palais de Justice".
For Tomo, the courthouse looked like a Japanese sweet "Takenoko no sato".
cf)Takenoko no sato is the Japanese sweet made with chocolates and cookies. The shape is bamboo shoot sprout.

We didn't have so much time to see around Bordeaux, so we saw only centre of Bordeaux. Bordeaux is a very big city and we got lost on the way to go to the centre and to go out from the city. Anyway we could see more beautiful row of French houses than one in Paris. Many people rode a bicycle on the street in Bordeaux. It's nice to have such an ecology mind! 

Bordeaux was very organized and beautiful city. We could experience a little bit of Bourgeois life in Bordeaux.

close sightseeing spot

* Dune du Pilat

The Golden Circle, Iceland (1)

The tour which Tomo & Chouchou joined in Iceland

"the Golden Circle Classic" English tour
organized by Gray Line Iceland Excursions
Departure from Reykjavik.
hotel pick-up service included.

<Itinerary>
1.Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant [Hellisheiðarvirkjun] ⇒
2.Lake ⇒  3.Skálholt Cathedral ⇒
4.((UNESCO)) Þingvellir National Park ⇒
5.Geysir Geothermal Springs ⇒　6.Gullfoss Waterfall

We joined this tour in winter.

Departure from Gray Line office in very early morning. 

The sky was still dark.

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The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant/ 

the Hellisheiðarvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant/

The Hellisheiði Power Station 

[Icelandic: Hellisheiðarvirkjun] 

Hellisheidavirkjun is the largest geothermal power station in Iceland.

 

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 The sky was getting bright.

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The tour bus stopped exceptionally.

Our tour guide brought us to the lake.

 

The lake was covered by the snow but it was very pretty place.
 

 

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Skálholt Cathedral [Old Icelandic: Skálaholt].

Inside Skálholt Cathedral

Jesus was drawn on the wall.

The ceiling made with woods and white walls had a good harmony.

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((UNESCO World Heritage site))

Þingvellir National Park /Thingvellir National Park

[Icelandic: Þingvellir]. 

 

 

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to be continued... The Golden Circle, Iceland (2)

Episode of The Golden Circle tour

Tomo & Chouchou joined the popular English tour "the Golden Circle Classic" which is organized by Gray Line Iceland Excursions.
Departure was very early, so we worried if the pick-up bus will arrive our hotel or not... We didn't need to worry. They picked us up almost on time!
Gray Line sends many pick-up vans to the hotel. Those vans go back to their office. Then they ask the clients to move to the bigger coach there. Gray Line has efficient organization and very solid work. We felt Gray Line was reliable.

We left in the early morning, so the sky was dark. From the bus window, we couldn't see the scenery so much, but we could see white snow and snow mountains.
First, the bus arrived the Hellisheiðarvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant
(=The Hellisheiði Power Station). Hellisheidavirkjun is the largest geothermal power station in Iceland. It's the first or second largest geothermal power plant in the world. Iceland doesn't have any atomic power plant. Iceland uses mostly geothermal energy. In Iceland, there are earthquakes and Iceland has volcanic belts under the ground. Therefore Iceland uses the underground heat for the energy. We heard that the geothermal energy was safe. Tomo & Chouchou support such safe energy! We also wish Japan will use geothermal energy too.
While heading off to the next place, the sun rised and the sky became brighter.
Our tour guide stopped the coach exceptionally. We could see the lake. The lake was covered by the snow but it was very pretty place.
Next, we arrived Skálholt (=Old Icelandic: Skálaholt) Cathedral. Skalholt Cathedral was simple and quite different from European Gothic cathedrals. Colorful Jesus drawn on the wall was unique. The ceiling made with woods and white walls had a good harmony. Skalholt Cathedral was a beautiful Icelandic church.
We visited Þingvellir National Park designated by UNESCO World Heritage Site. We could see amazing view there.

to be continued... The Golden Circle, Iceland (2)

Relating articles 

* Reykjavik in Iceland

* Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa) in Iceland

* Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Christmas market in Colmar, France (1)

<Marché de Noël de Colmar>

Christmas market placard in Colmar.

 Christmas market map in Colmar. 

A map showed where Christmas market was & highlights of Christmas market.Christmas market was held around the yellow parts of the map.

Place de l'ancienne douane during Christmas market.

We could see Alsatian houses while walking on the street in Colmar.

St. Martin church / Cathédrale Saint-Martin
[French: Collégiale de Saint-Martin de Colmar]

To be continued... go to next page : Christmas market in Colmar (2) shops

Episode of Chrismas Market in Colmar

Tomo&Chouchou present Christmas market in Colmar [Marché de Noël de Colmar] in Alsace in France !
Colmar is located about 70 km south of Strasbourg. Colmar was not so damaged during the war, so still now a row of houses of Middle Ages remains in Colmar. Christmas market in Colmar is not so big as Christmas market in Strasbourg,but Marché de Noël de Colmar is popular and famous especially amoung local people.
Colmar Christmas market was cozy and very cute as fairy-tale.
So Tomo&Chouchou strongly recommend Colmar Christmas market!

When we approached to the Christmas market area in Colmar, we found several placards. Placards kindly told us which way to go in Christmas market in Colmar. So it was easy to find Christmas market place. Moreover, there was a map which told where Christmas market was, or highlights of Christmas market. It was very kind for tourists. Mainly, Christmas market took place around the Old Town. It was easy to walk and easy to look around !
The area around Place de l'ancienne douane had many Christmas decorations. Tomo&Chouchou found it was the prettiest place of Christmas market in Colmar. It was very like a fairy-tale! Colmar was like a toy box! We felt we were in a dream.
While walking around Colmar, we could also enjoy very cute Alsatian houses.
St. Martin church (Cathédrale Saint-Martin) is located in the center of the city.
St. Martin church is Gothic church with coloured tile roof. It was very beautiful.
Everything was pretty in Colmar. The size of Christmas market was not so big as Strasbourg but it was very organized beautifully. More than anything, it was very fantastic, cute, pretty and warm-taste. Christmas market in Colmar is one of our favorite Christmas markets.

To be continued... go to next page : Christmas market in Colmar (2) shops

Information
La magie de Noël à Colmar
The magic of Christmas in Colmar
Date: from Late November to Late December, from 26 Nov to 29 Dec, 2021
Official website: https://www.noel-colmar.com/en/



Other Christmas markets

* Christmas market in Strasbourg

* Paris - Champs-Élysées Christmas Market

* Paris - La Défense Christmas Market

* Christmas market in Stuttgart in Germany