Lac Miroir

Lac Miroir is a small mountain lake in the commune of Ceillac, in the Hautes-Alpes department, set within the Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras. Sitting in a glacially carved basin at roughly 2,214 metres, the lake is ringed by larch trees and takes its name from the still, mirror-like surface that reflects the ridgeline of the Font Sancte massif, the highest summit in the Queyras park, on calm days.

Where is Lac Miroir located?

The lake lies in a valley above the village of Ceillac, in one of the most mountainous corners of the southern French Alps. Larches cover the surrounding slopes, and the open view toward the jagged crest of Font Sancte makes the spot a favourite stop for photographers and hikers drawn to alpine scenery.

How do you reach the lake?

The usual approach starts from the Pied du Mélezet car park just outside Ceillac. The path crosses a bridge over the Mélézet torrent, follows the edge of the forest along the stream, then turns off toward the lake and climbs through the woods to reach the water. The ascent typically takes just under two hours, gaining around 500 metres in elevation. This stretch forms part of the GR5, the long-distance trail that crosses the entire Alpine range; beyond Lac Miroir it continues toward Lac Sainte-Anne and the Col Girardin, opening the way to the Ubaye valley.

What else is there to know nearby?

Further up the valley from Lac Miroir sits Lac Sainte-Anne, a moraine-dammed glacial lake at the foot of Font Sancte (3,385 m). Reaching it from Lac Miroir adds roughly another hour of walking and about 200 metres of additional climbing, and many hikers combine both lakes into a single full-day outing.

Lac Miroir is also a fished lake: rainbow trout live in its waters, making it a destination for anglers visiting the Queyras during the summer season.

When is the best time to visit?

The lake is mainly accessible from late spring through early autumn, once the trail has cleared of snow. In winter the area is used for snowshoe outings, though this requires proper preparation and awareness of avalanche conditions, which are common in the high valleys of the Queyras.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hike to Lac Miroir difficult? The route is considered fairly moderate by alpine standards — a walk of under two hours with roughly 500 metres of ascent, manageable for hikers with average fitness.

Where does the lake's name come from? The name refers to the mirror-like reflection of the surrounding peaks, particularly the Font Sancte massif, visible on the water's surface on still days.

Can you swim in Lac Miroir? The lake sits high in the mountains and holds cold, glacially fed water, making it a spot better suited to admiring the scenery and fishing than to swimming.

Can the hike continue past Lac Miroir? Yes — the trail running along the lake is part of the GR5 and continues on to Lac Sainte-Anne and the Col Girardin, from where hikers can carry on toward the Ubaye valley.

Are there fish in the lake? Yes, Lac Miroir holds rainbow trout, and fishing is practiced there during the season.