Open the door of Châtel’s Old Customs House to discover a different side to this cross-border region.
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!
Groups welcome all year round by reservation (minimum 4 people).
Cultural activities
Arts
History
Patrimoine-en
Discovery
Services & Equipment & Activities
Children's entertainment
Temporary exhibition
Play area
Picnic area
Exhibition space
Coach access
Shop
Lift
Toilets
Parking
Guided tours
Educational visits
Read more
Customer base
Home school groups
Holiday Camps Home
Children from 6 to 12 years
Young people from 13 to 17 years old
Cycle 2: elementary School
Cycle 3: elementary school (CM1, CM2)
Cycle 3: college (6th)
Cycle 4: middle School
High school
Opening
From 17/12/2023 to 28/04/2024
Opening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Schedules of guided tour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
Schedules of last entrance on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 5.15 pm.
Closed Monday and Saturday.
Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th.
Animals
Animaux :
Refused
Adapted Tourism
Reception staff sensitized to the reception of people with disabilities
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
Prices
From 22/10 to 05/11/2023
Adult: 4.50 €
Child : 3.50 €
Group adults: 3.50 €
Group children : 3.50 €.
From 17/12/2023 to 28/04/2024
Adult: 4.50 €
Child : 3.50 €
Group adults: 3.50 €
Group children : 3.50 €.
Free entry for children < 8 years.
Child entry valid for 8 - 15 years.
Group rate available for > 10 people.
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.
Information for booking
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 method
Credit transfer
Location
1277, route de Vonnes 74390 Châtel
Shuttle line 4, stop "Les Fioles".
Parking nearby.
