Cerbère, Border railway town in Pyrénées-Orientales, France
Cerbère is a small border town on the Mediterranean coast with narrow streets leading to a pebble beach and small coves sheltered by rocky cliffs. The town's layout follows the coastline with buildings clustered near the waterfront.
The railway station was established in 1876 and transformed this small settlement into an important transport junction due to different rail gauges between France and Spain. This connection made the town economically vital for regional trade.
The Art Deco Belvédère du Rayon Vert hotel shapes the town's appearance with its early 20th century design. Its style reflects the era when the railway brought growth and connection to this border location.
The Marine Nature Reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls features an underwater trail at Peyrefite Beach where swimmers can explore marine life with basic snorkeling equipment. The beach access is straightforward and well-suited for both experienced and casual water visitors.
Female workers called 'transbordeuses' transferred oranges between Spanish and French trains because of different track widths at this border point. These women performed specialized labor that became an essential part of the town's daily operations for decades.
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