Marche Couvert (Covered Market), Colmar (must see)

The Covered Market of Colmar (Marche Couvert) is located in the heart of the "Little Venice" area of Colmar and the Fishmongers' District, where professional fishermen and boatmen of Colmar lived once. It has cheeses, quiche, fish, meats, Vietnamese and Moroccan cuisine, coffee, cakes, and a patio overlooking the water. Yes, something for everyone, including wine and box lunches.

The Covered Market was built in the 19th century by architect Louis-Michel Boltz. It is situated on the banks of the Lauch River that flows through Colmar. The waters of the river border the marketplace as a moat borders a castle. Market gardeners unloaded produce from their flat-bottomed boats directly at the river portals.

The Covered Market is made of brick and cut stone. The framework is metal, and it has cast-iron columns. On the southwest side stays the statue of The Little Wine Grower, sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi in 1869. The many market stalls inside the building create a lively ambiance.

Need a quick lunch? The Covered Market is home to several small restaurants, cafes, and bistros. L'Enfarine patisserie has baked goods; Saint-Nicolas Cheese Factory offers cheeses; Schmidt Farm sells foie gras; Lemon and Basil have snacks; and Cooked Raw (Cuit Lu Cru) serves a plant-based cuisine.