The Old Customs House

Open the door of Châtel's Old Customs House to discover a different side to this cross-border region.

Description

Children and adults will enjoy 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. With lots of eyewitness accounts and a fascinating exhibition packed with documents and illustrations, the Old Customs House tells the story of a picturesque world full of surprises!

New temporary exhibition: "Everything to declare!... from the customs office to the smuggling museum".
From its construction in the 1920s to the departure of the last gabelous in 2009 and the first visits to the interpretation centre, a lot has happened at the Châtel customs office! This unique temporary exhibition tells the anecdotes of the former gabelous who occupied these premises for almost a century!

There are also activities on offer during the tourist season, including an investigation game for children, secret operations for the whole family and guided outings. There's something for everyone!

Additional information

Groups welcome all year round, by reservation only (10 people minimum).

Guided tours Tuesday to Thursday from 3pm to 4.30pm during opening periods.

Very busy during rainy weather:

In this case, due to the building's limited capacity, visitors may be asked to wait outside.
Waiting times can be up to 30 minutes.
The Culture and Heritage team thanks you for your understanding.

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Prices

Adult: 4.50 €
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.

Supplement for guided visit: €2/adult
Family: €3.50 per person (1 adult + 1 child)

Groups of adults or children on self-guided or guided tours (by reservation, min. 10
people): €3.50.
One accompanying adult free for every 10 children enrolled.

Discounts with the Multi Pass (summer):
Adult: €3
Children (8-15yrs old): €2.50.

Payment methods

Bank/credit card
Check
Cash
Credit transfer

Languages spoken

English
French

Adaptive tourism

Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
Even flooring with no obstacles
Doors >=77 cm wide
WC + grab handle + adequate space to move
Site, building totally accessible
Reception staff sensitized to the reception of people with disabilities

Audiosguides is equipped with a magnetic loop for the hearing-impaired people equipped with an adapted device.

Audiosguides is equipped with a contrasted keyboard for the partially-sighted persons.

Environments

Close to a public transportation
Waterside
Lakeside or by stretch of water
Near shuttle stop
Lake view
Mountain view
Mountain location
Ski resort
Village 2 km away

Documents

The Old Customs House (pdf)

Location

Shuttle village line, stop "Les Fioles".
Parking nearby.

Route

To know

Promotional offers : MULTI PASS DISCOUNT | Adult and child admission | Summer and All Saints' vacations: 30% discount on presentation of a valid Multi Pass