Hotel Arbez, Hotel on the France–Switzerland border
Hotel Arbez is a transborder building that sits directly on the line between France and Switzerland, with parts of the structure in each country. The boundary runs through the dining room, staircase, and guest rooms, allowing visitors to occupy both nations at the same time.
The building originally functioned as a grocery store and pub before Jules-Jean Arbez converted it into a hotel. In the 1950s, his son Max Arbez humorously declared it a micronation called Arbézie, complete with its own flag and currency.
The hotel carries the family name and reflects how closely people are connected across this border. In the restaurant and common areas, visitors see French and Swiss flags side by side, showing how both cultures coexist peacefully here.
The location is accessible year-round and offers visitors the chance to see where the border is marked throughout the building. Upon arrival, visitors should expect to encounter elements from both countries, as the hotel respects the regulations of both France and Switzerland.
In 1962, secret talks were held here between French representatives and the Algerian independence movement, ultimately leading to Algeria's independence. This unusual location provided neutral ground where both sides could meet and negotiate agreements.
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