Alsace’s Little Venice has a unique ambience, with picturesque and brightly colourful half-timbered buildings lining the Lauch River and its canals. However, every indication suggests that before the Great Fire of 1706 swept through the area, the Quai de la Poissonnerie was much less colourful. According to tradition, during this period the colour of each house had to reflect the owner's occupation: yellow for bakers, green for vegetable growers and textile manufacturers, red for butchers and blacksmiths... and blue for fishmongers. Indeed, most of the city's fishermen, members of a powerful guild, occupied these houses. To this day, a small plaque that says 'Poissonnerie' adorns the façade of No. 20. While strolling the quay, be on the lookout for blue shutters pierced by a spike. Legend has it that behind those windows are young brides jealously guarded by their husbands!
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