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The Old Customs House
Description
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!
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Date and time
- From 21/12/2025 to 26/04/2026
Additional information
Updated by
Châtel Tourisme - 10/12/2025
www.chatel.com
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Price(s)
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.
Open period
From 21/12/2025 to 26/04/2026 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm. Last entrance at 5.15 pm. Guided tour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm. Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th. Guided tours on reservation.
Contact
Phone :
04 50 71 75 11
04 57 26 90 04
Email : culture-et-patrimoine@mairiedechatel.fr
Location complements
Shuttle line 4 in winter or line 2 in summer, stop "Les Fioles". Parking nearby.
Promotional offers
MULTI PASS DISCOUNT | Adult and child admission | Summer and All Saints' vacations: 30% discount on presentation of a valid Multi Pass
Reception complements
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.
IGN cards
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
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