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, 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.
No more than 2 people per ladder and always give priority to the person coming down.
– On the ascent, as on the descent, 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 base of the ladders by car. Refrain factory parking lot.
From Charquemont, continue towards the Swiss border, follow signs for La Chaux-de-Fonds for approximately 8 km. Pass through the village of Fournet-BlancherocheThen take the small, winding road at the hairpin bend, after the old French customs post. Continue on this small road for over 4 km until you reach theRefrain hydroelectric plant where you can park.
Please noteThis 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
– Warning, for the practice of via ferrata: There is no equipment rental available on site..
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!