Agenda

Guided tour of the Old Customs House

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

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.

Useful information

Opening dates

From 14/06 to 30/06/2026 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
There will be no tours on Wednesday, June 17.

From 01/07 to 31/08/2026 on Tuesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm. On Wednesday between 6 pm and 7 pm.

From 01/09 to 20/09/2026 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

From 20/12/2026 to 25/04/2027 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
Dates to be confirmed.

Prices

From 19/10/2025 to 26/04/2026
Adult: 6.50 €, Child : 3.50 €, Group adults: 3.50 €, Group children : 3.50 €.

From 14/06 to 20/09/2026
Adult: 6.50 €, 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.

Access

Groups: minimum of 10 people and by reservation only.

For groups, tours are available year-round by reservation.

- In June and September: guided tours Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. by reservation.
- In July and August: guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM and on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM by reservation

Outside of guided tour hours, the Vieille Douane is open for self-guided visits.