Guided tour of the Old Customs House

Let us tell you about the sometimes incredible adventures of the customs officers and smugglers of yesteryear.

Description

The old customs house has been converted into a cultural tourist attraction, showing visitors a different side to this border region. Children and adults will find this a fascinating trip back in time, learning about the game of cat and mouse that went on between the smugglers and the customs officers (known as 'gabelous') in the mountains of the Portes du Soleil before the advent of winter sports. Packed with anecdotes, local witness accounts and customs archives, the Old Customs House provides a picturesque, entertaining and richly documented and illustrated account of our local history. And there are lots of surprises in store!

New temporary exhibition: "The Old Customs House celebrates its 10th anniversary".
From its construction in the 1920s to the departure of the last customs officers in 2009 and the first visits to the interpretation centre, a lot has happened at the Châtel customs house! For the 10th anniversary of its opening, the Old Customs House has many surprises in store for you, as well as a brand new temporary exhibition looking back at the history of the building and the brigade that occupied these premises!

Groups are welcome all year-round on advanced booking.

Outside the guided tour times, the Old Customs House is open to the public.

Additional information

Groups: minimum 10 people, by reservation only.

For groups, visits possible all year round by prior arrangement.

Guided tour Tuesday to Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30 pm during opening hours, by prior arrangement. Minimum 4 people.

Outside guided tour times, the Old Customs House is open to the public.

• Minimum of people per group : 4

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets must be kept on a leash.

Prices

Adult: 6.50 €, Child : 3.50 €, Group adults: 3.50 €, Group children : 3.50 €.

Free entry for children under 8.
Child entry valid for 8 - 15 years.
Group rate available for 10 people or more.

Payment methods

• Bank/credit card
• Check
• Travellers Cheque
• Cash

Additional information

By reservation, a minimum of 4 people is required for the tour to take place.

Languages spoken

• French

Adaptive tourism

• Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs

Environments

• Lakeside or by stretch of water
• Mountain location
• Ski resort

Documents

• Guided tour of the Old Customs House (pdf)

Location

Parking with place for disabled person.
Stop shuttle nearby: Vonnes stop on line 4 in winter and line 2 in summer.