Lacs Miroir et Sainte-Anne

From the parking lot, take the GR5, a legendary stretch of the Great Alpine Crossing that connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. A winding climb through the larch forest—quite steep, it must be said, just to get your heart rate up—leads to the Vallon des Prés Soubeyrand, where Lake Miroir sits majestically. Be careful not to fall in love with its reflections (narcissists, stay away)! Continue through the grassy valley to reach Lake Sainte Anne. Between the glacial cirque, the turquoise waters, and the little chapel, the magic of the place will leave you spellbound. To complete the loop, continue through the alpine pastures beneath the Peillane ridges, passing the Adoux sheepfold on your left before descending to the Chaurionde cross-country ski parking lot. The trail then follows the torrent back to the hike’s starting point. Be sure to look up at the Pisse Waterfall—a 280-meter cascade of rushing water! In spring and fall, conditions are changeable; even without snow, the trail can be icy. Therefore, when in the mountains, the rule of thumb is to “go out well-equipped.” In my backpack, I slip in or clip on: crampons and trekking poles. In winter, experience, knowledge of winter mountain conditions, and a full set of gear (snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, warm clothing, survival blanket, etc.) are essential… Sometimes it’s better to turn back than to take a risk—or to call on a professional! Before heading out, I check the Météo France Montagnes reports and the BERA (avalanche and risk alerts)... Or my mountain guide will do it for me. Swimming is prohibited in the high-altitude lakes of Ceillac (by municipal ordinance No. 2026-39).