The Ladders of Death! We could easily be impressed... but there's no danger. This name testifies to the fear once aroused by this landlocked site in the upper Doubs valley, also called " Death Valley ". Many legends surround this high place of the Franco-Swiss smuggling from the 18th and 19th centuries, where fatal accidents are said to have occurred during the " bricotte ", this small traffic of goods necessary for survival in difficult times.
The passage of the ladders of Death was the fastest crossing point for go to SwitzerlandTo elude the surveillance of the "gabelous", the nickname given to customs officers, the "bricottiers" used all sorts of stratagems to bring back basic necessities (flour, sugar, coffee, tobacco, etc.). In particular, they hid the ladders, then made of simple trunks crossed with pieces of wood, in the rocks and vegetation and only took them out when the time came to pass...
The ladders are now made of steel and riveted to the rock. There are three of them, allowing you to safely reach the belvedere overlooking the valley which offers a magnificent panorama.
– Follow the instructions: not to be more than 2 per scale and always give priority to the person coming 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 through a walking path from the place called “le Bois de la Biche” (loop no. 3 – 8 km – yellow and blue markings).
- Do not mix up, the “Ladders of Death”, which are actually stairs as shown above, and the Death Ladders via ferrata, which is a separate activity, located on the same site but which remains quite distinct.
It is possible to access the Refrain factory car park by car at the foot of the ladders.
From Charquemont, continue towards the Swiss border for about 8km, towards La-Chaux-de-Fonds, passing the village of Fournet-Blancheroche. Then follow the small winding road (not accessible by campervan) which starts at the French customs, until you reach the Refrain hydroelectric plant where you can park. Before tackling the climb (20 to 30 minutes), stop under the covered courtyard to visit the small permanent exhibition which traces the history of ladders.
Thrill seekers will opt for the via ferrata, freely accessible all year round, departing from the Refrain factory. Rope bridge, Tibetan bridge, beam, optional 60 m long zip line… a real playground to relive the sensations of the smugglers of yesteryear…
Everything you need to know about the Echelles de la Mort via ferrata
The Ladders of Death are part of the must-see places to visit. You will also need to visit the Basins and the Saut du Doubs, or even the Vallon de Goumois, without forgetting the site of ConsolationEvery time, nature impresses us and leaves us impressed, so let's rise to the occasion, respect it, leave no trace of our passage, except our gratitude!