The Ladders of Death! It's easy to be intimidated… but there's no danger. This name reflects the fear once inspired by this site nestled in the upper Doubs valley, also known as the " Valley of Death ." Numerous legends surround this hub of Franco-Swiss smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries, where fatal accidents are said to have occurred during " bricotte ," the small-scale trade in goods necessary for survival in difficult times.
The passage through the Ladders of Death was the quickest crossing point into Switzerland . To evade the watchful eyes of the "gabelous," the nickname given to customs officers, the "bricottiers" used all sorts of stratagems to bring back essential goods (flour, sugar, coffee, tobacco, etc.). In particular, they hid the ladders, then made of simple tree trunks with wooden supports, among the rocks and vegetation, only uncovering them when it was time to cross…
The ladders are now made of steel and riveted to the rock. There are three of them, they are secure, and they allow you to reach the viewpoint overlooking the valley, which offers a magnificent panorama.
The ladders are more like very steep stairs, but they should be used with caution, just like ladders. When going up or down, always face the ladder.
– Do not be more than 2 per ladder and always give priority to the person going down.
– When going up, as when going down, stay facing the ladders and keep your hands on the uprights.
– Be careful, if you are prone to vertigo…
– You can also access the ladders via a footpath starting from the place called “le Bois de la Biche” ( loop n°3 – 8 km – yellow and blue markings ).
– Do not confuse the “Ladders of Death”, which are actually stairs as presented above, and the via ferrata of the Ladders of Death , which is a separate activity, located on the same site but which remains quite distinct.
It is possible to access by car the foot of the ladders, at the Refrain factory parking lot.
From Charquemont, continue towards the Swiss border, following signs for La Chaux-de-Fonds for approximately 8 km. Pass through the village of Fournet-Blancheroche , then take the small, winding road at the hairpin bend after the former French customs post. Continue along this road for over 4 km until you reach the Refrain hydroelectric plant, where you can park.
Warning : This narrow road is strongly discouraged for large vehicles. For motorhomes, it is recommended to park at Bois de la Biche and take the hiking trail that leads to the Belvédère des Échelles viewpoint.
Before tackling the climb up the ladders (20 to 30 minutes), take a break under the shelter to visit the small permanent exhibition which traces the history of the ladders.
– Picnic tables available
– Dry toilets from June to September
– Photo exhibition in the shelter next to the hydroelectric plant
– Please note, for the practice of via ferrata: there is no equipment rental on site.
Thrill-seekers will opt for the via ferrata , freely accessible year-round, starting from the Refrain factory. Monkey bridges, Tibetan bridges, beams, an optional 60-meter zip line… a veritable playground to relive the thrills of smugglers of yesteryear…
Everything you need to know about the Echelles de la Mort via ferrata
The Ledges of Death are among the must-see places . You should also visit the Doubs Basin and Waterfall , or the Goumois Valley , not forgetting the Consolation site . Each time, nature is awe-inspiring and leaves us impressed, so let's rise to the occasion, respect it, and leave no trace of our visit except our gratitude!
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