The last village before the border
Cerbère marks the end of the Vermilion Coast and of mainland France on the Mediterranean side — Portbou, in Spain, is only a few minutes away. The village had its heyday with the arrival of the railway in the 1880s: because rail gauges differ between France and Spain, all freight had to be transferred from one wagon to another at Cerbère station, work long done by women known as the "Transbordeuses". A museum wagon keeps their memory alive today.
The Belvédère du Rayon Vert and the solar lighthouse
You can't miss the Belvédère du Rayon Vert, the former 1932 Art Deco hotel-casino built on the hillside in the shape of an ocean liner, now a listed historic monument. Further south, the Cap Cerbère lighthouse — powered entirely by solar panels — symbolically marks the border with Spain at the end of the coastal path.
Marine nature reserve and diving
Cerbère shares with Banyuls-sur-Mer one of the first marine nature reserves on the French Mediterranean, known for the richness of its underwater life. The village has a diving centre, and the surrounding schist cliffs are among the highest in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the journey from Perpignan to Cerbère?
Allow about 49 minutes by road from Perpignan, the coast road passing through Argelès, Collioure, Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer before reaching Cerbère.
Do you offer trips to Spain from Cerbère?
Yes. The border is less than 5 minutes away; we run trips to Portbou, Cadaqués, the Costa Brava or Barcelona — see our transfers to Spain.
Can a round trip be arranged on the same day?
Of course — contact us with your times to arrange your round trip, whether for a visit to the village or a hike on the coastal path.
Book your chauffeur
Transfer, outing or visit: tell us your journey and we will quickly confirm a fixed price.