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In Summer : 30% discount with a valid Multi Pass
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The Old Customs House
Interpretation Centre
in Châtel
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Open the door of Châtel's Old Customs House to discover a different side to this cross-border region.
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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...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 only.
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.
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Environment
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Spoken languages
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Documentation
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Groups (Max capacity)
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Services
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Accessibility
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Equipment
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Services
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Rates
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Payment methods
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From October 1, 2024 to September 21, 2025
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Adult4.50 €
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Child3.50 €
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Group adults3.50 €
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Group children3.50 €
Family entrance: €3.50 per person (1 adult + 1 child)
Discount with the Multi Pass: adult: €3, children (8-15 yrs old): €2.50
Discount with the Multi Pass: adult: €3, children (8-15 yrs old): €2.50
Openings
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From
July 1, 2025
until August 31, 2025 -
From
September 2, 2025
until September 19, 2025 -
From
September 20, 2025
until September 21, 2025
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MondayClosed-
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Tuesday3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Tuesday10:00 AM - 12:00 PM2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Wednesday2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Wednesday6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Thursday3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Thursday10:00 AM - 12:00 PM2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Friday2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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SaturdayClosed-
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Sunday2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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MondayClosed-
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Tuesday3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Tuesday2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Wednesday3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Wednesday2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Thursday3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Thursday2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Friday2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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SaturdayClosed-
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Sunday2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- (last entrance at 5.15pm). Guided tours on reservation.
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Saturday10:00 AM - 12:00 PM2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Sunday10:00 AM - 12:00 PM2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- (last entrance at 11.15am and 5.15pm). European Heritage Days = free admission
