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 fairly steep, winding ascent through the larch forest leads to the Prés Soubeyrand valley, where Lake Miroir lies. Be careful not to fall in love with its reflections (not for narcissists)! 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, pass the Adoux sheepfold on your left, and then descend toward 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! WARNING: LOGGING OPERATIONS—Between September 1 and 30, 2026, logging operations will be underway. The trail will be temporarily disrupted near the Chaurionde parking lot; see the attached PDF. The work site will be marked with safety signs, and a detour will be provided. In the spring and fall, conditions are changeable; even without snow, the trail can be icy. Therefore, in the mountains, the rule of thumb is to “go out well-equipped.” In my backpack, I pack or clip on: crampons and trekking poles. In winter, the essentials are: snowshoes, poles, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and… a survival blanket! Experience is essential, and knowing when to turn back is sometimes better than taking risks. And for newcomers to the mountains, don’t hesitate to call on a professional! Before heading out, I check the Météo France Montagnes reports and the BERA (avalanche and risk alerts). Swimming is prohibited in the high-altitude lakes of Ceillac (by municipal ordinance No. 2026-39).