Top 4 Gorges around Ferrières-Le-Lac
Best canyons around Ferrières-Le-Lac are found within a region rich with canyoning opportunities in the wider Jura and Doubs areas of France. The commune is situated in a natural setting known for its deep gorges and rivers. This area offers diverse natural attractions, including challenging trails and scenic viewpoints along the Doubs gorges. Professional guides and outdoor activity companies provide excursions catering to various skill levels.
Best canyons around Ferrières-Le-Lac
- The most popular canyons is The Ladders of Death, a gorge that features a Via ferrata course with ladders, footbridges, and a zip line. This route is known for its vertical limestone cliff and offers a challenging experience in the Doubs gorges.
- Another must-see spot is Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger, a challenging trail with narrow, muddy paths and small stream crossings. Visitors can expect a dense, green environment with a waterfall and sections that require navigating ladders.
- Visitors also love View of the Doubs, a viewpoint offering many perspectives over the river and its surrounding environment. This section of trail provides scenic vistas at the entrance to the Doubs gorges.
- Ferrières-Le-Lac is known for gorges, trails, and viewpoints that offer diverse experiences. The area provides opportunities for activities like jumping into natural pools, sliding down rock formations, and rappelling alongside waterfalls.
- The canyons around Ferrières-Le-Lac are appreciated by the komoot community, with 65 upvotes and 48 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
The Ladders of Death
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Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger
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View of the Doubs
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Tips from the Community
This stage could be in the Amazon – green, greener, greenest… We didn't see any snakes or crocodiles, but the birdsong is unimaginable. Be careful, the trail is underwater in places during high water.
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Please note that most of the photos associated with the route are photos of the via ferrata and the names of the ladders themselves, which are very solid stairs and not rope bridges! It is perfectly feasible for hiking, even if the height can be disconcerting.
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Everything is in good working order. A beautiful experience, thank you to whomever keeps this maintained and safe!
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This 500 meters long via ferrata with a 100 meters positive difference in altitude takes place on the French-Swiss border, in the grandiose and vertiginous setting of the Doubs gorges which for a long time sheltered the smuggling activities between these two countries. Very playful and vertiginous with ladders, footbridges, a zip line, cable and Nepalese bridges, it is certainly one of the most beautiful and impressive via ferrata of the region. After a few minutes of walking on a path, the course begins in the beautiful vertical limestone cliff by a first ladder soon followed by a Nepalese bridge, a beam and a slightly overhanging dihedral. This is the most physical part of the route, and it precedes the first escape route that leads to the Cendrée lookout. The next section offers a short, slightly overhanging passage, then a Tibetan bridge made of logs and a 42-meter-long "3-strand" cable bridge, both of which test your balance. The itinerary continues across a ledge (second possible escape route), takes a descending ladder, crosses a new cable bridge ("2 strands" this time), then goes up vertically by exploiting the weaknesses of the wall. The ladder and the beam that follow announce the long 60 meter zip line that can be avoided via the third escape route (but that would be a shame!). A last beam and a steep and original rope ladder bring you to the end of the via ferrata. A safe path follows the cliff, passes by the belvedere where you can still admire the superb landscapes, then follows the route of the smugglers of yesteryear before bringing you back to the parking lot. (https://www.directmountain.com/en/activities/807-via-ferrata-charquemont/)
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The damaged ladder was replaced with a new one and is accessible again.
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Closed because a large boulder is blocking the route (as above since June 21, 2023).
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Closed for security reasons since June 21, 2023
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Dizzying scales with an exceptional point of view 🔥
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Frequently Asked Questions
What canyoning opportunities are available near Ferrières-Le-Lac?
While Ferrières-Le-Lac itself doesn't have canyons directly within the commune, it's ideally situated in the wider Jura and Doubs areas, which are rich with canyoning opportunities. You can find various excursions catering to different skill levels, from discovery tours to more challenging adventures. Notable canyons in the region include The Ladders of Death, Canyon du Grosdar, Canyon de Malvaux, Canyon de Coiserette, and Canyon de Langouette.
Are there family-friendly canyoning options near Ferrières-Le-Lac?
Yes, several canyons in the region are suitable for families. For instance, Canyon du Grosdar and Canyon de Malvaux are often recommended for participants aged 8 and up, offering activities like jumping into turquoise water basins, natural waterslides, and swimming through gorges.
What are the more challenging canyoning routes in the area?
For those seeking a more intense experience, Canyon de Coiserette is generally considered more challenging and is recommended for individuals aged 16 and above. Canyon de Langouette, located near Planches-sur-Montagne, is also described as difficult, suitable for ages 12 and over, featuring a 25-meter waterfall and an initial 10-meter abseil.
When is the best time of year for canyoning near Ferrières-Le-Lac?
Canyoning activities are typically available from April to October. Summer is a particularly popular time to explore these sites, offering pleasant weather for water-based adventures.
What kind of activities can I expect during a canyoning trip?
Canyoning in this region offers a thrilling mix of activities. You can expect to jump into natural pools, slide down rock formations, abseil alongside waterfalls, and swim through spectacular gorges. Many guided tours provide all necessary technical equipment for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What other natural attractions can I explore near Ferrières-Le-Lac?
Beyond canyoning, the area offers diverse natural attractions. You can explore the challenging Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger, known for its dense, green environment and sections requiring navigation via ladders. Additionally, the View of the Doubs offers scenic vistas over the river and its surrounding environment at the entrance to the Doubs gorges.
Are there hiking trails near the canyons around Ferrières-Le-Lac?
Yes, the region is excellent for hiking. You can find various running trails around Ferrières-Le-Lac, including routes like 'Echelles del la mort – La Charbonnière du Haut loop from Damprichard'. For more options, explore the dedicated guide to Running Trails around Ferrières-Le-Lac.
What cycling opportunities are available near Ferrières-Le-Lac?
The area around Ferrières-Le-Lac is well-suited for cycling. You can find routes like the 'Goule Bridge – Saint Maurice Church loop from Damprichard' for touring bicycles, or 'On old smugglers' paths' for gravel biking. Discover more routes in the Cycling around Ferrières-Le-Lac and Gravel biking around Ferrières-Le-Lac guides.
Do I need special equipment for canyoning, or are guides available?
Professional guides and outdoor activity companies in the region offer excursions and typically provide all necessary technical equipment. This ensures safety and makes these adventures accessible to a wide range of participants, even those without their own gear.
What do visitors enjoy most about the gorges and canyons near Ferrières-Le-Lac?
Visitors highly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and the exhilarating experiences offered by the gorges. Highlights like The Ladders of Death are praised for their breathtaking views and challenging Via ferrata courses. The dense, green environments and the unique geological formations, such as those found on the Ladder Trail, also receive high acclaim.
Are there any viewpoints to admire the Doubs gorges without canyoning?
Yes, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Doubs gorges from various viewpoints. The View of the Doubs offers multiple perspectives over the river and its surrounding environment, providing scenic vistas at the entrance to the gorges without requiring a full canyoning excursion.
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