The Old Customs House

  • Interpretation Centre
Elevation : 1200m
1277, route de Vonnes, 74390 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 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
  • Tips
    In Summer : 30% discount with a valid Multi Pass

Services

Services

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
Children's entertainment
Temporary exhibition
Arts
Discovery
History
Heritage

Documentation

Documentation

Rates

Rates

From 1 October 2024 to 21 September 2025

From 1 October 2024 to 21 September 2025
Adult
4.50€

Child
3.50€

Group adults
3.50€

Group children
3.50€

Family entrance: €3.50 per person (1 adult + 1 child)
Discount with the Multi Pass: adult: €3, children (8-15 yrs old): €2.50

Payment methods

Payment methods

Payment methods

CheckCheck
CashCash

Groups (Max capacity)

Groups (Max capacity)
  • 23 Maximum number of people

Openings

Openings

Monday
Closed

Tuesday
15:30 - 16:30

Tuesday
10:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 18:00

Wednesday
14:00 - 19:00

Wednesday
18:00 - 19:00

Thursday
15:30 - 16:30

Thursday
10:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 18:00

Friday
14:00 - 19:00

Saturday
Closed

Sunday
14:00 - 18:00

(Last entrance on Tuesday and Thursday at 11.15am and 5.15pm. On Wednesday and Friday at 6.15pm. On Sunday at 5.15pm).
Guided tours on reservation.
Monday
Closed

Tuesday
15:30 - 16:30

Tuesday
14:00 - 18:00

Wednesday
15:30 - 16:30

Wednesday
14:00 - 18:00

Thursday
15:30 - 16:30

Thursday
14:00 - 18:00

Friday
14:00 - 18:00

Saturday
Closed

Sunday
14:00 - 18:00

(last entrance at 5.15pm).
Guided tours on reservation.
Saturday
10:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 18:00

Sunday
10:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 18:00

(last entrance at 11.15am and 5.15pm).
European Heritage Days = free admission

Location

Location

The Old Customs House
Elevation : 1200m
1277, route de Vonnes, 74390 Châtel

Spoken languages

Spoken languages
  • English
  • French

Environment

Environment
  • Lakeside or by stretch of water
  • Lake view
  • Mountain view
  • Ski resort
  • Mountain location
  • Waterside
  • Near shuttle stop
  • Close to a public transportation
  • Village 2 km away

Access

Access
  • Shuttle village line, stop "Les Fioles".
    Parking nearby.
Updated on 15 July 2025 at 14:15
by Châtel Tourisme
(Offer identifier : 4982336)
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