Duration
15 minutes
Best Time
Morning
Price
€
Walking
Minimal walking
About Maison des Têtes
The Maison des Têtes stands out as Colmar's most photogenic facade, with 106 individually carved stone heads covering every surface of this 1609 Renaissance building. You'll find yourself scanning the elaborate stonework for bearded merchants, cherubic faces, and grotesque masks that seem to watch passersby. The building now houses an upscale hotel and restaurant, but you can admire the exterior freely from the cobblestone street.
Standing on Rue des Têtes feels like being scrutinized by a crowd from four centuries ago. The heads range from whimsical to slightly menacing, each one carved with remarkable detail that becomes more apparent as you move closer to the building. Bartholdi's copper statue of a cooper crowns the peaked roof, adding another layer to this visual feast. The morning light hits the facade perfectly, bringing out shadows and details in the carved faces.
Most people snap a quick photo and move on, but you'll get much more by spending 10 minutes actually studying individual faces. The hotel's ground floor restaurant charges premium prices (mains around 35-45 EUR), so unless you're staying here, stick to exterior viewing. The building looks spectacular but don't expect to go inside unless you're dining or booking a room.
Insider Tips
Position yourself across the narrow street by the fountain for the best full facade shot without tourists blocking your view
Most visitors miss the small heads carved into the window frames and doorway details, focusing only on the obvious larger sculptures
Visit between 9-10 AM when the eastern light hits the facade directly and before tour groups arrive from nearby attractions
Getting There
Address
19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France
Neighborhood
Petite Venise & Old TownSkip the queue: Book tickets online to avoid the ticket line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for about 15 minutes. Morning visits are typically less crowded.
Maison des Têtes is in the Petite Venise & Old Town neighborhood of Colmar. The address is 19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France. The area is well-served by metro.
Morning visits, especially early, mean fewer crowds and better light for photos. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parts are outdoors, so bring a light layer.
