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The Hacienda Paperie

Gothic Grace and Daily Light: Our Quiet Days Beside Colmar’s Heart

Gothic church with a tall spire and honey-colored sandstone facade under a cloudy sky, surrounded by a green lawn with small figures of visitors near the base.

I knew the view would be lovely, but experiencing it was something else entirely. Our stay in Colmar was deeply pleasurable, and I believe this square—and this church—had everything to do with it. For thirteen days, the windows of our lodging opened onto the Collégiale Saint-Martin, offering us this majestic sight from morning to night. Sometimes golden in the afternoon sun, sometimes cloaked in mist, it became a quiet companion to our days. Truly, it was a gift to be in Colmar—to begin and end each day with such beauty just beyond the glass.

Close-up of the Gothic bell tower of the Collégiale Saint-Martin in Colmar, with detailed stone pinnacles, weathered sandstone, and two small flags fluttering near the top under a cloudy sky.
We’d open the windows every morning and there it was—the Collégiale Saint-Martin, bathed in honeyed light. I never got used to it. It always took my breath a little.
Side-angled view from the ground of the Collégiale Saint-Martin’s bell tower and lateral church wall, showing stained-glass windows, pointed arches, and sculpted stone details.
From our little table by the window, I’d sip coffee and look up at the bell tower piercing the sky. On cloudy mornings, it looked even more dramatic—like something out of a medieval dream.
Close-up of the rear tower of the Collégiale Saint-Martin, showing soft rose stone and a roof with green, blue, and muted gold geometric tile patterns.
Did you see the roof tiles? I loved how they formed geometric patterns—such a classic Alsatian touch. Even from a distance, the details felt so deliberate, so full of care.
I’d watch the light shift on the sandstone façade throughout the day—rose in the morning, amber by late afternoon. Weathered and beautiful, like time had softened it on purpose.
Sometimes we’d walk by and notice new things—gargoyles peeking from ledges, the fine tracery around the stained glass, the slender columns like threads of stone. It made you slow down.
Thirteen days with this view, and I still miss it. More than a backdrop, this church shaped our time in Colmar. It held our quiet moments and gave them a kind of grandeur.
A closer look at the towering beauty of the Collégiale Saint-Martin. Watch as we journey from its intricate spire to the delicate details of the side wall—every stone tells a story. 

We captured these moments during our stay in Colmar, France, in May 2025—a city that captivated us with its timeless beauty. From the soaring spires to the intricate details of the architecture, Colmar left a lasting impression. We invite you to explore more of Colmar’s enchanting charm, and also discover our recent adventures in Spain, where new stories and landscapes unfolded last month.