The Death Ladders via ferrata is quite technical and , without a doubt, the most beautiful in the area (objectively speaking...). There are plenty of rope bridges (the one with three cables will certainly seem endless and very wobbly), overhangs, ladders, a zip line, etc. You'll find everything you need for a thrilling experience.
It takes between 2 and 3 hours to reach the end, unless you take a detour along the way... As for the landscapes, nature immersion is guaranteed!
This via ferrata promises you a magnificent view of the Doubs Gorges, which are called the Valley of Death here in reference to its smuggling past.
For those who are impressed by the sporting practice of via ferrata and who still wish to enjoy the view, you can use "ladders", which are actually stairs.
On the Echelles de la Mort site there are actually two distinct sites: the stairs which can be used freely to access the belvedere, and the via ferrata.
Via ferrata is not to be taken lightly; if the site is freely accessible, it is necessary to be able to ensure your own safety.
For novices and beginners, be accompanied by a guide (contact details below), so you can fully enjoy the experience safely.
For experienced climbers looking for equipment , we have a few suggestions. Please note that equipment rental must be booked in advance; there is no rental service available at the base of the via ferrata.
Some safety information :
To access the Via Ferrata des Échelles de la Mort (Ladders of Death ) from Charquemont, continue towards the Swiss border, following signs for La Chaux-de-Fonds. Pass through the village of Fournet-Blancheroche. Then take the narrow, winding road (not recommended for motorhomes) that begins at the French border crossing. Continue for approximately 4 km to the Refrain hydroelectric plant, where you can park in a large car park.
Tested and approved by Charline and Laurie
The via ferrata of the ladders of death remains the via ferrata that has left the greatest impression on me so far: breathtaking scenery, very well marked and varied course with a super zip line at the end. We were able to rent our equipment in a few minutes and then enjoy this fantastic activity, lulled by the sunset.
We have some pretty nice cliffs for enjoying some climbing. The tourist office sells the guidebook "Climbing in the Doubs", the Maîche / Haut Doubs climbing guidebook and the Clémont guidebook.
THE RIDER
• Municipality: Les Combes
• Routes: 40 routes from 4C to 7A. Sports site and initiation area.
• Access: At the exit of Morteau via the D48 towards Les Combes, turn left towards Malingre Mont Bobillier and follow this small road for 4.5 km to the place called Malingre.
FATS
• Municipality: Les Gras
• Routes: 15 routes. Sports site and initiation area.
• Access: Park in the Place des Gras car park then go up towards the church on Rue de l'Abbé Monin, then take the small path on the right which leads to the cliff.
ROCK OF THE VIRGIN
• Municipality: Villers-le-Lac
• The tracks: 20 tracks
• Access: Access via the Combes road. Not recommended for children.
GATE OF FRANCE
• Municipality: Montandon
• Routes: 2 sectors 23 routes from 4c to 8a
• Access: From Maîche, take the D437 towards Saint Hippolyte. After 5 km, park in the car park on the right. Cross the main road and take the track that climbs into the valley opposite the car park. The cliff is located on the right-hand slope, 100 metres after the two ponds.
ROCK OF THE LAVIERES
• Municipality: Mont de Vougney
• Routes: 68 routes from 5c to 7c
• Access: From Maîche take the direction of Belleherbe D464, after 2 km turn left towards Mont-de-Vougney then straight on for 4 km. The access path is on the left in a field just before the last hamlet.
THE ASH
• Municipality: Charquemont
• Routes: 75 from 5c to 7c
• Access: From Charquemont, take the D10e towards Combe-Saint-Pierre then continue to the place called La Cendrée. Take the small path on the right which goes into the woods, 10 meters before the car park to reach the top of the cliff for the routes starting from the top. For the routes starting from the bottom, continue for 50 meters on the path to the houses.
CLAIRBIEF or FUESSE
• Municipality: Indevillers
• Routes: 19 from 4c to 6b
• Access: At the entrance to Indevillers coming from Maîche, turn right then continue straight on for 300m then left towards Switzerland for 5km. Park in the car park on the banks of the Doubs located near the bar restaurant then continue on foot on the marked path which crosses the stream by the log bridge and winds up the right slope to the cliff.
LITTLE ROCK
• Municipality: Burnevillers
• Routes: 40 routes from 5c to 7c
• Access: from Indevillers on the D201 take the direction of Glère. At Charmauvillers turn left and park in the 3rd lace.
CLEMONT
• Municipality: Montécheroux
• Routes: 6 sectors. 72 routes from 4c to 8c.
• Access: from Montécheroux follow a stone road following the signs.