The best pâtisseries in Colmar

Between strolls through Little Venice, a sweet stop is a must in Colmar. The capital of Alsace wines has several renowned pâtisseries, where you’ll find both the great classics of French pastry and Alsatian treats: kougelhopf, gingerbread, seasonal fruit tarts and, as Christmas approaches, the famous bredele. Here are the addresses we recommend and the specialities to try.

Sweet specialities to try in Colmar

• Kougelhopf: a crown-shaped brioche studded with raisins, topped with almonds and dusted with icing sugar. It’s eaten at breakfast or as an afternoon treat.
• Gingerbread (pain d’épices): made with honey and spices, plain, filled or iced, it is especially popular during Advent.
• Fruit tarts: quetsch plums in late summer, apples, mirabelles, rhubarb in spring, often topped with an Alsatian-style cream and egg custard.
• Bredele: these little Christmas biscuits (butterbredele, anisbredele, spritz, cinnamon stars…) fill the shop windows from late November.
• Berawecka: a loaf packed with dried and candied fruit, another emblematic festive treat.

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Our favourite pâtisseries in Colmar

Pâtisserie Gilg – 60 Grand’Rue

A family business originally from Munster, Gilg is one of the most frequently recommended addresses in Colmar, just steps from the old Customs House (Koïfhus). People come for its macarons, millefeuilles and fruit tarts, but also for Alsatian traditions: its kougelhopf and langhopf (an elongated kougelhopf) are particularly popular. The family also has a shop in Ribeauvillé.

Thierry Mulhaupt – 6 place de l’École

A highly regarded chocolatier and pastry chef in Alsace, Thierry Mulhaupt runs a shop in Colmar alongside his Strasbourg boutique. Gault&Millau praises his chocolates, tarts and puff pastries. His kougelhopf and seasonal creations make it an ideal address for a gourmet gift.

Fortwenger – 32 rue des Marchands

Founded in 1768 in Gertwiller, Fortwenger is one of the great names in Alsatian gingerbread. Its Colmar shop, in the historic centre, sells gingerbread, bredele, kougelhopfs and other regional specialities, perfect for taking home in your suitcase.

Opening hours for these shops vary with the seasons and are often extended during the Christmas markets: check before you go, especially on Mondays and Sundays.

Read nextLe Bar l’Intenable à Haguenau

Tips for the perfect sweet break

• Come early: the kougelhopf and the tarts of the day sell out fast, especially at weekends and during the festive season.
• Don’t forget the covered market: on the banks of the Lauch in the Little Venice district, it brings together local producers and artisans, a great opportunity to discover other regional products.
• Pair sweets with wine: a kougelhopf goes beautifully with a Gewurztraminer or a Crémant d’Alsace. To keep exploring, read our guide to wine tasting in Colmar.
• Take some home: gingerbread and bredele travel well and keep for several weeks in a metal tin.

Want to dig deeper into the region’s flavours? Have a look at our feature on specialities of Alsatian cuisine and our Alsatian recipes.

FAQ

What is the most famous pâtisserie in Colmar?

Pâtisserie Gilg (60 Grand’Rue) and Thierry Mulhaupt’s shop (6 place de l’École) are among the most frequently recommended addresses, both for fine pastries and for kougelhopf.

Where can I buy gingerbread in Colmar?

Fortwenger, a gingerbread specialist since 1768, has a shop at 32 rue des Marchands, in the historic centre.

Which typical pastry should I try in Colmar?

Kougelhopf is the speciality not to miss. In winter, try the bredele and berawecka too; in late summer, the quetsch plum tart.

Are Colmar’s pâtisseries open on Sundays?

Some are, often in the morning or with reduced hours, and more of them during the Christmas market season. Opening hours change, so check directly with each shop.

Lucas

Hi, I’m Lucas! My heart beats for the pleasures of the table, and here in Alsace, I’m in paradise. Whether it’s a glass of Riesling shared with friends, a hearty sauerkraut dish, or a culinary adventure around a blueberry tart, I live every meal like a celebration. My goal? To make you hungry with articles that highlight our local producers, talented chefs, and delicious specialties. But beware, I don’t just eat (well, almost): I also offer itineraries to explore our vineyards and gourmet markets.

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