• Cultural

Guided tour of the Old Customs House

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

Cultural Guided tour of the Old Customs House Châtel

About

On Sunday 17 December 2023 from 15:30:00 in 16:30:00
Châtel (74390)

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.

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    Prices

    From 17/12/2023 to 28/04/2024
    Adult: 6.50 €, Child : 3.50 €, Group adults: 3.50 €, Group children : 3.50 €.

    From 16/06 to 22/09/2024
    Adult: 6.50 €, 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.

    Number of participants : 4 pers. Min. - 23 pers. Max.
    Methods of payment accepted : Bank/credit card, Check, Travellers Cheque, Cash

    Reception

    Open to children
    Languages spoken : French
    Languages of documentation : Italian, Dutch, German, English, French

    Group: 10 people minimum.

    Dates

    From 17/12/2023 to 28/04/2024, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

    From 17/06 to 30/06/2024, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

    From 01/07 to 31/08/2024
    Opening hours on Tuesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm. On Wednesday between 6 pm and 7 pm.

    From 01/09 to 22/09/2024, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

    Access

    La Vieille Douane 1277, route de Vonnes 74390 Châtel

    Parking with place for disabled person.
    Stop shuttle nearby: line 4 stop Les Fioles (summer and winter seasons) .

    • Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
    Information update on 27/03/2024 by Châtel Tourisme