The Old Customs HouseThe Old Customs House
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The Old Customs House

Evidence of life in the past

At La Vieille Douane, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of mountain smugglers, the daring characters who left their mark on the Alps.

The Old Customs HouseThe Old Customs House
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    Daily life for customs officers and smugglers

    Through immersive and interactive exhibitions, discover their ingenious techniques for evading the rigorous surveillance of customs officers. This unique site invites you to explore a little-known part of the local past, where resourcefulness and mountain traditions come together. By recounting these secret adventures, La Vieille Douane takes you on a journey to the heart of the mountains, revealing the challenges and mysteries of a time when clandestine trade was the mainstay of local life.

    The mountain undercover

    Before it became a popular winter sports resort, Châtel hid a lot of secrets… in rucksacks, under capes and even in fake clogs! Head to La Vieille Douane (The Old Customs House) to unveil these unusual stories. This interpretation centre, a former customs post, traces the lives of mountain smugglers and their cat-and-mouse game with customs officials in the border forests.
    This visit plunges you into the daily life of customs officers and smugglers in the 20th century, at a time when smuggling tobacco, salt or coffee over the mountains was an art, a sport… and a lot of cunning!

    The Old Customs HouseThe Old Customs House
    ©The Old Customs House|©Like This Agence
    The Old Customs HouseThe Old Customs House
    ©The Old Customs House|©Like This Agence
     Guile and adventure guaranteed

    La Vieille Douane reveals the thousand and one tricks and chases that marked the Franco-Swiss border. Thanks to immersive displays, period artefacts, surprising anecdotes and interactive games for young and old alike, you can step into the shoes of these discreet heroes of the mountains of yesteryear.
    Whether you’re a fan of unusual stories, a lover of heritage or simply curious to discover surprising tricks and hiding places, La Vieille Douane is a must-see!

       Guile and adventure guaranteed

      La Vieille Douane reveals the thousand and one tricks and chases that marked the Franco-Swiss border. Thanks to immersive displays, period artefacts, surprising anecdotes and interactive games for young and old alike, you can step into the shoes of these discreet heroes of the mountains of yesteryear.
      Whether you’re a fan of unusual stories, a lover of heritage or simply curious to discover surprising tricks and hiding places, La Vieille Douane is a must-see!

        Practical info All you need to know to enjoy Château de Ripaille

        Opening

        From 22/12/2024 to 27/04/2025

        Tuesday to Friday and Sunday

        from 2pm to 6pm.

        Closed on Mondays and Saturdays.

        Telephone

        04 50 71 75 11

        culture-et-patrimoine@mairiedechatel.fr

        Address

        La Vieille Douane

        1277, route de Vonnes

        74390, Châtel