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The Bricotte experience
On this 77km circular walk on the French-Swiss border starting from Maîche, follow the paths trodden by a Bricottière, a past master in the art of hiding small packages of contraband.
On the way, you will experience one of contraband's most famous crossing places (les Echelles de la Mort – the steps of death) and find out more about the history of the places you pass through.
EN ROUTE FOR SWITZERLAND!5 days following in the footsteps of small-scale smuggling
This initiation trail combines history and ingenuity. Prepare to be amazed by the numerous tricks the bricottiers used in days gone by to smuggle their contraband across the border without getting caught.
In your role as a bricottière, you need to go to Switzerland to bring back food for your family and neighbours, who are struggling during a period of famine. Hone your concealment skills as you transport your goods, taking care not to get collared by the French customs officers.
Your initiation trail around the French-Swiss border area is the perfect opportunity to discover and marvel over numerous stunning views of the Doubs. You will follow real smugglers' trails and passages such as the Echelles de la Mort, Biaufond Lake and La Rasse.
Transports
L’itinéraire de la Bricotte est une boucle au départ de Maîche.
Rejoindre Maîche depuis la Suisse
Informations sur les horaires :
Gare de Saint-Ursanne
• www.ter-sncf.com (France)
tél. : 0 800 802 479
• www.sbb.ch (Suisse)
tél. : 0 900 300 300
Balisage
Balisage commun sur l’ensemble du sentier
| En France Régional GR® 5 |
En Suisse |
 |
|
| Carte IGN 3623 OT - Maîche Gorges du Doubs 3523OT - Vallée du Dessoubre |
Carte Swiss Topo |
Highlights of the route
The Cendrée viewpoint and the Echelles de la Mort, Biaufond Lake.
Technical data file
As you follow this 77km circular route, you will cross the border twice before returning to your starting point at Maîche (France). Free parking is available at Maîche.
The five steps which make up the route will take you to some of Franche-Comté's outstanding tourist sites such as the Echelles de la Mort, as well as showing you the treasures nature has to offer locally: Biaufond Lake, with its submerged frontier post and the Louisots glacial combe with its specific flora including yellow gentian.
On this path, you will also see buildings which speak to us of the region's cultural and historic past, such as the tacot (tourist train) line from Maîche to Morteau, La Rasse hamlet, with its watchmaking history, and Guillots tuyé (wood smoker) farm at Bonnétage.
ONLINE MAP
ELEVATION
31epi111ef14
31lpi211l044La Bricotte - Step 1
| DISTANCE : 12.701Km | ASCENT : 358 m33 | Walking time : 3h4533 |
During this first step on the Bricotte path, follow the remains of the old tacot line and admire the Vallée de la Mort from Cendrée viewpoint.
On the way, explore some of the emblematic sites and see how local history has influenced the villages and landscapes.
To discover on the way
. The remains of the tacot line
. Montalembert castle
. Coteau Saint-Michel
31epi211ed1431lpi211l044La Bricotte - Step 2
| DISTANCE : 17.901Km | ASCENT : 784m77 | Walking time : 6h1566 |
This second step on the Bricotte trail takes you to the Echelles de la Mort viewpoint. Walk down these steps charged with history. Stop for a rest at Biaufond Lake and drink in the magnificent scenery. In the past, people crossed the river in small boats here. Cross the border, then follow the farmers' paths beside the Doubs, as the Bricottiers used to do.
To discover on the way
. The Trois Evêchés border post (Biaufond Lake)
. Refrain factory
. Biaufond bridge
31epi311ef1431lpi211l044La Bricotte - Step 3
| DISTANCE : 13.901Km | ASCENT : 309m33 | Walking time : 4h3044 |
On your way, admire Cendrée viewpoint and Fournet Blancheroche village from Roche Guillaume viewpoint. As you make your way down towards the end of this step, why not stop off for a picnic at Pélard farm and admire the unusual architecture?The step finishes at Maison-Monsieur, a former river crossing point. Here, you can visit the Sonneurs' house or take a boat trip on the Doubs.
To discover on the way
. Cul des Prés Lake
. Maison-Monsieur and the Sonneurs' house
. Bichon viewpoint
31epi211ed1431lpi211l044La Bricotte - Step 4
| DISTANCE : 16.801Km | ASCENT : 539m55 | Walking time : 5h1055 |
You are now on your way back to France! The climb begins at La Rasse hamlet, which has a strong watchmaking tradition. You then cross Fournet-Blancheroche plateau, where you will notice a few blockhouses, vestiges of World War II. Don't miss the farms with the tuyés, chimneys typical of the Haut-Doubs.
To discover on the way
. Louisots glacial combe
. Guinots tuyé farm
. Philiberts viewpoint
31epi211ea1431lpi211l044La Bricotte - Step 5
| DISTANCE : 16.101Km | ASCENT : 36233 | Walking time : 5h0055 |
The last step of the route takes you past the Dolines, geological formations typical of limestone regions. These features of the landscape resemble the peat bogs you will also see, but are in a sense a gateway to a far more mystical world. Stop off at the Faux Verger viewpoint. It offers spectacular views of the Alps and is the perfect spot for birdwatching.
To discover on the way
. Le Faux Verger
. Doline
. Creugnots peat bog
Well for walking
. INFORMATIONS
Office de Tourisme du Pays Horloger
Bureau de Maiche +33 (0)3 81 64 11 88 |
www.pays-horloger.com
Tourisme neuchâtelois
Bureau d’accueil de La Chaux-de-Fonds
+41 (0) 32 889 68 95 | Envoyez un mail
www.neuchateltourisme.ch
. Weather
Tél. : 08 92 68 02 21 - refreshed 3 times per day
. Book your accommodation
. Take ID with you d’identité
. Préparer sa randonnée
Plan : hiking shoes, backpack, rain gear , water bottle , sunscreen, hat, first aid kit, Swiss army knife , binoculars etc ...La time set for the steps is given for information only. This is an estimate based on an actual running time, which takes into account the length and height differences . Adjust your pace. Do not go too fast, take regular breaks and take time to marvel at the beauty of nature around you !
. Respect nature
