Lac d'Anterne

Lac d'Anterne is a high-altitude lake sitting above 2,000 metres in the commune of Passy, in the Haute-Savoie department of the French Alps. It lies inside the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, close to the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, right below the rocky wall of the Rochers des Fiz.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake occupies a small high-mountain plateau ringed by the steep cliffs of the Rochers des Fiz, at coordinates roughly 45.99°N, 6.80°E. Although it falls administratively within Passy, most hikers approach from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or the Giffre valley. The surrounding terrain belongs to the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, one of the larger protected alpine areas in France.

How high up is it?

Lac d'Anterne sits at roughly 2,061 metres. A short climb further up leads to the Col d'Anterne, at about 2,257 metres, which is the real reward for many hikers: from the pass, a wide panorama opens onto the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus - some of the best-known summits of the French Alps.

What does the trail to the lake look like?

The approach usually begins with a gentle climb through shaded forest before passing two waterfalls, the Sauffaz and the Pleureuse. From there the path steepens toward the Collet d'Anterne, with the views opening up gradually along the way. Near the lake stands the Refuge d'Anterne, also known as the Refuge Alfred Wills, together with the Chalets d'Anterne, a cluster of old mountain shepherd huts. The refuge offers overnight beds and looks straight out at the Rochers des Fiz. A full loop through the area covers well over ten kilometres, which is why the hike is usually rated as demanding rather than easy.

What else is worth noticing along the way?

Beyond the lake and waterfalls, the trail crosses landscape typical of the Sixt-Passy reserve - alpine pastures, rocky ridgelines and high-altitude plant communities. Chamois and marmots live here, and in summer the pastures are often grazed by sheep. The reserve is one of the largest protected areas in the French Alps, taking in part of the Fiz massif as well as the country around Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.

When is the best time to go?

The hiking season here generally runs from June or July through September; earlier in the year, the higher sections of the trail can still be under snow. The clearest views, especially of Mont Blanc from the Col d'Anterne, tend to come in the morning, before the afternoon cloud that regularly builds up over the peaks.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Lac d'Anterne? The lake sits at an altitude of about 2,061 metres.

Can you see Mont Blanc from the lake? The view from the lakeshore itself is limited, but a short walk up to the nearby Col d'Anterne (about 2,257 m) reveals the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Most hikers set off from around Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or the Giffre valley, with the trail passing the Sauffaz and Pleureuse waterfalls on the way.

Is there anywhere to stay overnight near the lake? Yes, the Refuge d'Anterne (Alfred Wills), next to the Chalets d'Anterne, offers overnight accommodation for hikers.

Is the area protected? Yes, the lake lies within the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, one of the larger alpine nature reserves in France.