Many urban neighborhoods have taken inspiration from Italy’s Floating City, from Venice Beach in Los Angeles to Little Venice in London. The French city of Colmar is one, as well, home to the canal-laced Petite Venise sector and the Hostellerie Le Maréchal, a boutique hotel housed in a traditional timber-framed house that dates from the 16th century. It has an enviable location right on the water, and a terrace restaurant that makes the most of it, specializing in traditional Alsatian cuisine served with a view. Guest rooms have old-world charm, with carved wooden beds, Oriental rugs, and framed oil paintings. Some feature separate seating areas and soaking tubs, and many face the canal. Watch boats cruising past your table over breakfast, then head out to explore the old town on foot; it’s all within easy walking distance.