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The many faces of Ch...
8 February 2024
The many faces of Chillon #1 Numa
In 2024, we’d like to paint a picture of just some of the people who bring Chillon Castle to life. We’ll be taking a slightly quirky, offbeat peek behind the scenes of the fortress on Lake Geneva. So, ready to take a tour?
The first person to take up the mantle is Numa, our Surveillance, Maintenance and Security Manager. Amongst many things, he manages the team of castle custodians.
The first person to take up the mantle is Numa, our Surveillance, Maintenance and Security Manager. Amongst many things, he manages the team of castle custodians.
In 2024, we’d like to paint a picture of just some of the people who bring Chillon Castle to life. We’ll be taking a slightly quirky, offbeat peek behind the scenes of the fortress on Lake Geneva. So, ready to take a tour?
The first person to take up the mantle is Numa, our Surveillance, Maintenance and Security Manager. Amongst many things, he manages the team of castle custodians.
Numa, head custodian, briefs a gardener on planting an oak tree
Hey Numa, what does a typical day as a chief custodian look like? How does your job differ to that of the other custodians?
I try to make sure that everything ALWAYS goes smoothly for EVERYONE. That’s what I’m all about. Every day, I arrive at the castle on time, I ask my colleagues how yesterday went, or the weekend if I was off. I check that everyone knows what they’re doing for the day.
My job is not all that different to that of my colleagues. I try to be as hands-on as I can, whether that means being around when we open, throughout the day or at closing time. That way, I can keep up to date on various existing or incoming issues that may arise in this beautiful building and stay close to my team.
Alongside all that, I take care of the admin side of things… emails, security, cross-departmental collaboration, etc.
What makes a good or a bad custodian here at Chillon?
Good custodians are still here in 2024, the bad ones left in 2023.
Numa in front of his desk at Chillon Castle
Anything particularly crazy that you’ve encountered recently?
This isn’t quite crazy or wild but… let’s go with ‘original’. A couple asked me to get the boat out to rescue… their 3-year-old son’s shoe, which he had just thrown out of a window into the lake. The answer was no, as the lake was a little choppy when they arrived, and the shoe had already floated over 20 metres from the castle walls.
If you had a magic wand, what is the ONE thing you would change about Chillon?
I would put solar panels on the roofs by the lakeside and on top of Café Byron. I’d want everyone to be outraged in 2024, but for them all to say it was a no-brainer come 2050.
Ok, last question, and watch out because it’s a tricky one… Are you team Savoy or team Bern?
I’m team Paris, I’d rather stay neutral.
The many faces of Chillon #2 CLAUDE VEUILLET
Claude Veuillet is a conservator and restorer specialised in ancient wooden objects. Internationally renowned, his restoration work has spanned dozens of heritage sites, works of art and ancient objects. His craft has taken him from church stalls and statues, to baptisteries, tools, and even chests, like those we have here at Chillon Castle.
The Chillon Castle guest book
For over 60 years, the castle guest book has kept a record of some of the famous faces who have paid us a visit from the politics, art, sport and media worlds.
Chillon, the first castle to achieve Level III – ‘Leading’ – under the Swisstainable programme
The Chillon Castle Foundation has been awarded Level III – ‘Leading’ – under the Swiss sustainability programme Swisstainable.
A first for a listed castle open to the public in Switzerland!