Hotel Belvédère du Rayon Vert, Art Deco hotel in Cerbère, France
Hotel Belvédère du Rayon Vert is a former hotel in Cerbère, near the Spanish border, built in reinforced concrete between 1928 and 1932 to designs by Perpignan architect Léon Baille. Its rounded corner tower has stacked open balconies with pale concrete lattice balustrades, and the long flank descends a slope with vertical windows, a red door and a deep roof overhang on angled brackets.
Architect Léon Baille designed this establishment between 1928 and 1932 for wealthy European travelers. It emerged during an era when rail connections to Spain were expanding and coastal towns were becoming fashionable resort destinations.
The hotel's name comes from the green flash, a rare optical phenomenon at sunset over the sea. Its interior holds frescoes painted in 1949 by the Spanish artist José de Zamora, who settled his rent by decorating the walls; one dining-room painting shows the Cerbère woman he hoped to marry. Since 2005 the hotel has hosted the Cerbère-Portbou film meetings each October.
The building stands at the north entrance of Cerbère, between the railway and the D914 road to Perpignan. It is open to visitors most afternoons, but hours should be checked in advance. Nine apartments for two to six people are available for seasonal rental, and the building has a lift.
The roof originally featured a tennis court where guests could play while overlooking the sea. Today, the suites function as vacation apartments available for weekly rental by visitors and holiday seekers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,405 contributors worldwide.
