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The Old Customs House

Interpretation Centre in Châtel

  • 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...
    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 (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.
  • Promotional offers
    MULTI PASS DISCOUNT | Adult and child admission | Summer and All Saints' vacations: 30% discount on presentation of a valid Multi Pass
  • Environment
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Near shuttle stop
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view
    • Mountain location
    • Close to a public transportation
    • Ski resort
    • Village 2 km away
    • Waterside
  • Spoken languages
    • English
    • French
  • Documentation
  • Groups (Max capacity)
    • 23  Maximum number of people
Services
  • Accessibility
    • 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
  • Activities
    • Temporary exhibition
    • Children's entertainment
    • Arts
    • Discovery
    • History
    • Heritage
  • Equipment
    • Parking nearby
    • Play area
    • Picnic area
    • Exhibition space
    • Lift
    • Toilets
  • Services
    • Pets welcome
      • Dogs must be kept on a leash.
    • Educational visits
    • Coach access
    • Shop
    • Guided tours
Rates
Payment methods
  • Check
  • Cash
  • From October 19, 2025 to April 26, 2026
  • Adult
    4.50 €
  • Child
    3.50 €
  • Group adults
    3.50 €
  • Group children
    3.50 €
    • 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
Openings
  • From October 19, 2025
    until November 2, 2025
  • From December 21, 2025
    until April 26, 2026
  • Monday
    Closed
    -
  • Tuesday
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Thursday
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday
    Closed
    -
  • Sunday
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Guided tours on reservation.
  • Monday
    Closed
    -
  • Tuesday
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday
    3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Thursday
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday
    Closed
    -
  • Sunday
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Guided tours on reservation.