Construction work

Work carried out on the castle ranges from minor maintenance to major campaigns. These projects are run alongside tourist activities.

Projects at Chillon are split across two branches: how the project fits in with neighbouring sections or parts of the building, and the annual cycle of thematic campaigns.

Projects on a certain sector of the castle are often part of larger-scale campaigns, such as the restoration of the facades on the ‘lake’ side of the castle from 2013 to 2025. Annual thematic campaigns allow for routine maintenance (roofs), inventory-related checks (wood, painted decorations), or more specific projects (improving safety railings, overhauling lighting systems, minor strengthening of masonry).

Since October 2017, Chillon Castle Foundation and the Canton of Vaud have been carrying out landscaping work in the local area, installing street lighting and building a cafeteria pavilion. The aim is to give the site a makeover, better protect the environment and enhance the visitor experience. Phase 1a, work on the Chillon gardens, was staggered from September to mid-October 2018, and phase 1b ran from mid-October to the end of November 2018 along the castle dock and up to the castle. Work on the cafeteria pavilion began on 22 October 2018 and is due to be complete by 31 March 2020. The entire project is due to be finalised in May 2020. In the meantime, varying traffic restrictions will be in place, especially in the off-peak season.

Since Chillon is open to the public almost every day of the year, a delicate (yet interesting) balance must be struck between construction projects and tourist activities.