Nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine plain in northeastern France, Colmar is one of Alsace's most celebrated destinations and among the best-preserved medieval towns in the country. Its old quarter is a remarkably intact ensemble of Gothic architecture, Renaissance mansions and the brightly painted half-timbered houses that have made the city instantly recognisable worldwide. The Petite Venise district, where flower-laden barges drift along quiet waterways lined with tanners' and fishmongers' houses, is among the most photographed streetscapes in France. Colmar is equally distinguished by its cultural offerings, most notably the Unterlinden Museum, which houses Matthias Grünewald's Isenheim Altarpiece, considered one of the greatest works of Western art. The city sits at the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, placing Riesling and Gewurztraminer vineyards within easy reach.