The Echelles de la Mort via ferrata is rather technical and she is, without a doubt, the most beautiful in the sector (in all objectivity...). There's no shortage of rope bridges (the one with 3 cables will certainly seem endless and very fluid), overhangs, ladders, zip lines, etc. You'll find plenty to get your fill of thrills.
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 sport of via ferrata and still want to enjoy the view, you will be able to take “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, have a guide accompany you (find the contacts below), you will thus be able to take full advantage of it in complete safety.
For insiders looking for equipment, We have a few addresses for you. Please note: equipment rental must be planned in advance; there are no rentals on site at the foot of the via ferrata.
Some safety information :
To access the Echelles de la Mort via ferrata, since Charquemont, continue towards the Swiss border, follow La-Chaux-de-Fonds. Pass the village of Fournet-Blancheroche. Then take the narrow, winding road (not recommended for campervans) that starts at the French customs. Continue for about 4 km to the Refrain hydroelectric plant, where you can park in a large parking lot.
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.
There are some pretty cool cliffs to enjoy some rock climbing. The tourist office offers the "Climbing in the Doubs" guidebook, the Maîche / Haut Doubs climbing guidebook, and the Clémont guidebook for sale.
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.