Place de l’Ancienne Douane is Colmar’s historic customs square at Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, in the pedestrian Old Town between Grand’Rue and Rue des Tanneurs. Its centerpiece is the Koïfhus, the former customs house built in 1480, where merchandise was stored and taxed as it passed through the Alsatian trading city. Travelers come for the Gothic-and-Renaissance civic architecture, half-timbered façades, Bartholdi fountain and direct access to the lanes of Little Venice.
What to Expect at Place de l’Ancienne Douane
The square is compact rather than monumental, so take time to read it from several angles. The Koïfhus anchors the north side with a steep, patterned tiled roof, Gothic ground floor and later Renaissance elements. As Colmar’s oldest public building, it handled customs operations and trade; its upper hall also hosted meetings of the Décapole, the alliance of ten Alsatian imperial cities. Today its interior is used for exhibitions, fairs and seasonal events, while the exterior remains the main year-round attraction.
At the center stands the Fontaine Schwendi, created by Colmar-born sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and inaugurated in 1898. Its bronze figure represents Lazare de Schwendi, the 16th-century military commander traditionally credited with bringing Tokay vine cuttings to Alsace; the story is a local legend, but the monument remains a useful introduction to the region’s wine identity. Around it, pastel plasterwork, timber framing and shuttered upper stories make this a rewarding stop for architecture photographs. There is no gate, admission desk or fixed route: it is a public square, open at all hours.
- Koïfhus: Colmar’s 1480 former customs house, combining a Gothic structure with Renaissance-era alterations and a richly patterned roof.
- Fontaine Schwendi: Auguste Bartholdi’s 1898 fountain portrays Lazare de Schwendi and references Alsace’s long association with wine.
- Trading history: Goods entering and leaving medieval Colmar were stored, assessed and taxed here before moving through the town.
- Christmas market: During the Advent season, the square becomes one of Colmar’s official Christmas-market settings, with decorated stalls and evening lights.
- Old Town connections: Grand’Rue, Rue des Marchands, the Covered Market and the canals of Petite Venise all begin within an easy walk.
Place de l’Ancienne Douane at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France |
| Neighborhood / Area | Pedestrian Old Town, beside Grand’Rue and the Krutenau quarter |
| Operating Hours | Public square open 24 hours daily; Koïfhus event and exhibition access varies by program |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to enter; seasonal-market purchases and Koïfhus exhibitions are priced separately |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes, or longer when paired with surrounding Old Town lanes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Colmar train station is about a 15-minute walk; use central parking such as Parking Saint-Josse or Parking Rapp |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Colmar; +33 3 89 20 68 68 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early in the morning for clear views of the Koïfhus façade and fountain before Old Town walking groups gather, or return around dusk when the surrounding façades are illuminated. The square is entirely outdoors and photography is unrestricted from public space; be considerate around market stalls and event installations. In December, visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon for a calmer Christmas-market experience, and dress for cold, damp weather.
Colmar’s historic core is best covered on foot. From the station, follow the signed walk toward the centre; drivers should park outside the pedestrian lanes at Parking Saint-Josse or Parking Rapp and continue on foot. The surface is uneven cobblestone, with tight passages and occasional crowding, so wheelchairs, strollers and anyone with limited mobility may find a companion helpful. There are no dedicated restrooms or seating facilities in the square itself. Pair it with the covered Marché Couvert, roughly five minutes away, the Musée Bartholdi on Rue des Marchands, about four minutes away, and the canal-side houses of Petite Venise, around ten minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Place de l’Ancienne Douane open, and when is best to visit?
The square is a public pedestrian space open 24 hours a day, every day. Visit before 10am for quieter photographs, or in the early evening for atmospheric light; the Koïfhus interior follows its own exhibition or event schedule.
Is there an admission fee or reservation requirement?
There is no charge or reservation required to walk through the square and view the Koïfhus exterior and Fontaine Schwendi. Individual exhibitions inside the Koïfhus and purchases at the Christmas market or nearby shops have separate terms and prices.
How much time should I allow for the square?
Allow 20 to 40 minutes to examine the architecture, fountain and historic setting. Budget 1.5 to 2 hours if continuing through Rue des Marchands, the Covered Market and Petite Venise without rushing.
Is Place de l’Ancienne Douane suitable for wheelchairs and families?
Families can visit freely, and the short distances make it an easy Old Town stop. Cobblestones, narrow pedestrian routes and seasonal crowds are the main obstacles for strollers and wheelchairs; use a sturdy mobility aid and allow extra time.
When planning your Colmar travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Colmar, pair this stop with standout local spots including Pl. de la Cathédrale, Musée des usines municipales de Colmar, Restaurant Pfeffel, and Schwendi Fountain (nearby).
