River Cruises Collection: Colmar City Tour

You'll say ‘auf wiedersehen' to Germany and ‘bonjour' to France on this trip to Colmar. The French town is just 45 minutes' drive from Breisach. Once you arrive, you can take in your storybook surroundings on a walking tour. This place was supposedly the inspiration for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and you'll see why as you head to the old town. It's a vision of pastel-painted timbered buildings with window shutters and flowerboxes. The Little Venice area is even prettier, thanks to its canal front setting. Then there's the old merchants' quarter. Traditionally, the colour of the houses would signify the type of business – for example, if you were fishermen, you'd paint your house blue, whereas tanners used white. After your tour, you'll have just under an hour of free time. It's worth stopping at one of the cellars or bars, where you can sample some local Alsace wine.