Strasbourg or Colmar — where should you stay in Alsace?
Strasbourg is bigger and better connected; Colmar is smaller and more storybook. Choose Strasbourg for city-and-rail ease, Colmar for village atmosphere, and plan carefully if Christmas markets are the point.
Answer
Alsace is not only a December postcard, though December changes everything. Strasbourg gives city scale, better rail links, restaurants, museums and a useful base for day trips. Colmar is smaller, prettier in the obvious way and closer in spirit to the wine-village image many travellers have in mind. The best choice depends on whether you want convenience or atmosphere at your door. For villages, wine routes and Christmas markets, check current transport and crowd pressure before assuming the easy-looking plan will feel easy.