Maison des Tetes, Colmar

Attraction, Historic Building and Hotel in Colmar

Maison des Tetes
Maison des Tetes
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Flominator

Maison des Tetes (House of Heads) is one of Colmar's most recognizable historic buildings, set right in the Old Town at 19 Rue des Têtes. Even if you're not staying overnight, it's a rewarding stop on a walking tour thanks to its richly decorated Renaissance façade and the lively atmosphere created by its restaurants and pâtisserie.

The best way to experience it is to approach on foot from the central lanes around Place de l'Ancienne Douane and Petite Venise, then pause across the street to take in the full façade before moving closer to spot the details. It's also an easy “anchor” sight to include between the Unterlinden Museum and the canals, making it a natural photo-and-coffee break on a self-guided stroll.

History and Significance of the Maison des Tetes

Maison des Tetes dates to the early 17th century and is celebrated as a standout example of German Renaissance architecture in Alsace. Its nickname comes from the many sculpted faces and masks that cover the façade, giving the building a theatrical, slightly mischievous personality that's become part of Colmar's visual identity.

Over the centuries, the building has had multiple lives, shifting with Colmar’s commercial and cultural rhythms. Today, it’s both a heritage landmark and a working address: a high-end hotel with notable dining, which keeps the site active rather than museum-still.

What makes it significant for visitors is that it's a “street-level monument” you can appreciate without a ticket or a long detour. In a town full of pretty half-timbered houses, Maison des Tetes stands out for its sculptural density and the way it rewards slow looking.

Things to See and Do in the Maison des Tetes

Start with the exterior: step back to frame the whole façade, then move in close to pick out the individual heads and masks. The fun is in the variety—some look comic, some stern, and some downright strange—so it’s a great spot to linger and play “find the weirdest face.”

If you want more than a quick look, plan a meal or pastry stop on-site. The building houses multiple dining options, so you can pair your architectural stop with a relaxed lunch, a more formal dinner, or a sweet break—useful in Colmar when weather turns rainy or cold.

Finally, if you're staying overnight, this is one of the most characterful bases in the historic center: you're steps from the best evening strolls, and you can enjoy Old Town Colmar early in the morning before day-trippers arrive.

How to Get to the Maison des Tetes

The nearest airports for reaching Colmar are EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg and Strasbourg Airport, with the small Colmar-Houssen airfield closest for limited aviation options. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Colmar on Booking.com.

Colmar is well connected by rail, and the Colmar SNCF station is about a 15-minute walk (or a short taxi ride) from Maison des Tetes in the Old Town.You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you're driving, follow signs for Colmar city centre and plan ahead for parking; on-site parking is limited and typically requires reservation.If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Maison des Tetes

  • Official website: https://www.maisondestetes.com/en/
  • Entrance fee: Free (to view the exterior).
  • Opening hours: Daily: Open 24 hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for the calmest streets and the cleanest façade photos, or at dusk when the Old Town lighting feels especially atmospheric.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes is enough for the exterior details; add 60–120 minutes if you’re stopping for a meal or pastry break.
  • Accessibility: The street approach is flat and walkable, but Old Town paving can be uneven; if you have mobility needs, consider a taxi drop close by.
  • Facilities: For visitors, the most reliable facilities are the on-site restaurants/pâtisserie (during service hours) and nearby cafés around the Old Town.

Where to Stay Close to the Maison des Tetes

Base yourself in Colmar’s Old Town (centre historique) for the easiest walking access to sights, canals, and evening dining.

La Maison des Têtes A landmark stay inside the famous building itself, ideal if you want heritage character paired with high-end comfort and standout on-site dining.

Hôtel Le Maréchal A classic choice by the Petite Venise canals, great for romantic views and a quintessential Colmar atmosphere right outside your door.

James Boutique Hôtel A stylish, modern-feeling base close to the center, good for travelers who want contemporary design without losing walkability.

Hôtel Saint-Martin Right in the pedestrian core, perfect for quick breaks between sightseeing loops and for travelers who prioritize location above all.

Hôtel Turenne A practical, comfortable option just outside the tightest lanes of the Old Town, often appealing for easier access and good value.

Is the Maison des Tetes Worth Visiting?

Yes—Maison des Tetes is absolutely worth a stop because it's one of Colmar's most distinctive façades, it's easy to fit into any Old Town walk, and it offers a satisfying “wow” moment without needing a long visit. It's especially rewarding if you enjoy architectural details, street photography, or pairing sights with a memorable meal.

Honest Pivot: If you’re short on time and only want canal scenery and half-timbered lanes, you could skip a dedicated detour and simply admire it in passing. It’s also less compelling for travelers who prefer interior exhibits, since the main draw for most visitors is the exterior and the dining/hotel experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (674)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the unbeatable Old Town location, quiet and comfortable rooms, and exceptionally attentive staff. Breakfast is repeatedly highlighted as a standout experience, and several travelers mention memorable on-site food and thoughtful touches during the stay. The most common drawbacks are practical rather than experiential: limited parking that needs advance planning and the sense that this is a premium, special-occasion property.

Gabrielle Malin
a month ago
"This hotel is in the centre of the old town so the location is brilliant. The room was quiet and comfortable, the bed was perfect! Breakfast was alsoan amazing experience. We arrived to our table set up with fruit, yoghurt, meats, cheese, fresh croissants, cakes and fresh juice. We could then order eggs done in multiple ways as well as hot drinks. The staff are excellent and go above and beyond to be helpful. So much so that they packed us bags of water and cake to take with us for our onward car trip. I ca ot recommend this hotel enough, it is the little things that make so much difference!..."
Jim S
2 months ago
"Our last three nights in Colmar were spent at this truly exceptional hotel, and staying in Room 109 made the experience even more memorable. The roomwas beautifully appointed, the bed incredibly comfortable, and the shower and amenities simply outstanding. But what truly sets this hotel apart is the remarkable staff—both at the front desk and at breakfast. Every single person we encountered, morning and evening, was warm, gracious, and genuinely welcoming. Marion and the entire team created an atmosphere of heartfelt hospitality that is increasingly rare, even at the world’s top luxury properties. The breakfast each morning was another highlight: generous, delicious, and served by some of the kindest hotel staff you will ever meet. If you are visiting Colmar, do not even think about staying anywhere else. As a couple who regularly stays at properties such as The Ritz and The Four Seasons, we can honestly say our stay here was every bit as enjoyable—if not more so. A perfect experience from start to finish...."
Caitriona Fly
5 months ago
"A spectacular gem in the heart of beautiful Colmar. From our welcome at the parking (limited, book in advance), throughout our stay at every point,right through to our departure with a gift of freshly made pistachio cake, we were blown away. The building is stu ing, with a rich history. The food is outrageous (3 restaurants, 1 with a ⭐), with the breakfast being particularly special. Our room was gorgeous. But honestly, it's the staff that give this hotel that certain something. Welcoming, friendly, professional bit never stuffy, they treated is like old friends they were hosting. Ca ot wait to get back!..."

For Different Travelers

Maison des Tetes works well as a quick visual highlight or a longer “experience stop” if you choose to dine or stay overnight. Because it sits in the heart of Colmar, it's easy to tailor the visit to your pace—anything from a 5-minute photo pause to an evening built around dinner.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “spot the funniest face” game on the façade, and it’s a low-effort stop that doesn’t demand museum-level attention spans. It also breaks up a walking day nicely because you can keep it short and move on.

If you’re dining, aim for a relaxed service (lunch tends to feel easier than dinner with young children). Keep an eye on strollers on narrow Old Town sidewalks and uneven paving.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a strong couples stop: the building is dramatic, the Old Town setting is charming, and it pairs naturally with a leisurely meal or dessert. It also fits beautifully into a golden-hour stroll when Colmar’s streets feel quieter and more cinematic.

For a romantic mini-itinerary, combine Maison des Tetes with a canal loop through Petite Venise and a slow wander back via the central squares. If you're staying nearby, it's a great “last look” spot on an evening walk.

Budget Travelers

Maison des Tetes is budget-friendly to experience because the best part—the façade—is free to admire from the street. You can still get a “signature Colmar” moment here without paying for a ticket.

If you want to spend, consider making it a single splurge stop (a pastry or one special meal) rather than an overnight stay. Otherwise, treat it as a photo highlight on a self-guided walking route.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the building’s Renaissance style stands apart from the more common Alsatian half-timbered look nearby. The dense sculptural decoration also reflects a period taste for symbolism, satire, and showmanship in civic architecture.

To deepen the context, pair this stop with other Old Town façades and a visit to the Unterlinden Museum for broader regional history. It’s a great example of how Colmar’s streets function as an open-air architectural timeline.

FAQs for Visiting Maison des Tetes

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the Old Town and is easy to reach on foot from most central sights. If you’re coming from the train station, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk.
A short taxi ride is the simplest option if you have heavy bags. Otherwise, the walk is straightforward but includes some uneven paving in the historic center.
You can get close, but Old Town access and stopping rules can be restrictive. If you’re staying overnight, coordinate parking in advance.

Tickets & Entry

No—viewing the façade from the street is free. Tickets only apply if you book a room or dine.
Not as a standard tourist visit; it primarily operates as a hotel and dining venue. Most visitors experience it from outside and through its restaurants.
Yes, reservations are a good idea, especially for dinner and weekends. This is one of Colmar’s in-demand addresses.

Visiting Experience

The sculpted heads and masks are the signature feature, and they’re easiest to appreciate by stepping back and then moving in close. Give yourself time to scan the upper levels too.
Yes, because it’s a quick stop and you can duck into nearby cafés or on-site dining afterward. Rain can also make the Old Town feel quieter for photos.
Colmar gets busy in peak seasons and weekends, but this stop is usually manageable because people don’t linger long. Early morning is calmest.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many Old Town walking routes pass it because it’s a headline façade and easy to explain quickly. If you’re self-guiding, it’s a natural checkpoint between major squares.
Combine it with a loop through Petite Venise and the central Old Town lanes, then continue toward the Unterlinden Museum. This keeps walking efficient without backtracking.
Use it as a short architectural highlight within a broader Colmar stroll, then move on to nearby villages or vineyards. It’s a high-impact stop that doesn’t consume your day.

Photography

Across the street is best for capturing the full façade without distortion. Move closer afterward for detail shots of individual masks.
Morning often gives you fewer people in frame, while late afternoon can add warmer tones. Overcast skies can actually help bring out façade detail.
In restaurants and hotel areas, be discreet and follow staff guidance. Other guests’ privacy matters, especially in a hotel setting.

Accessibility & Facilities

The approach is generally flat, but Old Town surfaces can be uneven and narrow in places. A taxi drop nearby can reduce the toughest sections.
Your best bet is to use facilities in cafés/restaurants during opening hours. In busy seasons, plan a restroom stop before longer Old Town walks.
Yes, because it can be enjoyed as a short, low-commitment stop. Pair it with a seated break at a café to keep the day comfortable.

Food & Breaks Nearby

If you enjoy destination dining, it’s worth considering because the on-site options are a major part of the experience. If you’re focused on sightseeing, the façade alone is still a great stop.
Yes, the Old Town around Rue des Têtes has plenty of cafés and quick bites within a few minutes’ walk. You can easily keep it simple.
Yes, a pastry or dessert break is a nice way to turn a quick photo stop into a memorable pause. It’s also a good option when you don’t want a full meal.

Safety & Timing

Central Colmar is generally comfortable for evening strolling, especially around the main tourist lanes. Keep normal city awareness and watch your step on cobbles.
Arriving 10–15 minutes early is usually enough and helps you settle in without rushing. Use the extra time to take a final look at the façade.
Trying to see too much of Colmar at midday peak crowds without breaks. Use Maison des Tetes as a short reset point between busier areas.

Nearby Attractions to the Maison des Tetes

  • Unterlinden Museum: Colmar’s must-see museum, known for major art collections and the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
  • Petite Venise: A postcard-pretty canal area ideal for a slow stroll and classic Colmar photos.
  • Place de l’Ancienne Douane (Koïfhus area): A lively historic square zone with beautiful façades and an easy Old Town hub.
  • Collégiale Saint-Martin: The city’s impressive Gothic church, a calm interior contrast to the busy streets outside.
  • Marché Couvert de Colmar: A covered market that's great for local snacks, picnic supplies, and a quick look at regional produce.

The Maison des Tetes appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Colmar!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: Open 24 hours.

Price:

Free (to view the exterior).

Address: 19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France
Colmar: 0 km
Telephone: +33 3 89 24 43 43
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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