Lac Sainte-Anne

Lac Sainte-Anne is the largest lake in the Queyras Regional Natural Park, set within the commune of Ceillac in the French Hautes-Alpes. Covering roughly 8.5 hectares, it sits at 2,414 metres above sea level at the foot of the Pic Nord de la Font Sancte, rising above the valley's other two lakes, Lac Miroir and Lac des Rouites. Its deep turquoise water and the raw high-mountain scenery of the Font Sancte massif make it one of the signature spots of the Queyras.

How did this lake form?

Lac Sainte-Anne occupies a basin carved by a former glacier, ringed by moraine and bare rock ridges. That glacial origin explains both the striking colour of the water and the stark surroundings: sparse vegetation, scree slopes, and peaks nearby that climb past 3,000 metres. Snow can linger around the basin well into summer, reinforcing the sense of being deep in high-altitude terrain despite the relatively accessible trailheads below.

A chapel and a centuries-old pilgrimage

A small chapel dedicated to Saint Anne stands on the moraine above the shoreline. The site carries real spiritual weight for the valley's inhabitants: every year on 26 July, a pilgrimage that dates back to the 17th century is held here. Local tradition ties its origin to a legend about two young shepherds who were miraculously saved, an event credited to the saint's intercession. The pilgrimage remains an active part of the Ceillac community calendar to this day.

How do you get there?

Two main approaches lead to the lake. The shorter one starts from the Chaurionde car park (around 1,967 m); from there it's about 3.2 km and 447 m of ascent to the shore. The longer, more scenic route begins at the Ceillac ski-station car park (around 1,697 m) and passes Lac Miroir on the way, adding up to roughly 5.25 km and 717 m of climbing. Both are genuine high-mountain hikes, so weather and season matter — snow can cover the approach for much of the year, and conditions should be checked before setting out.

Beyond the lake: toward Col Girardin

Hikers looking to extend the day can continue past Lac Sainte-Anne toward the Col Girardin, which opens onto the descent into the Ubaye valley. This makes the lake a natural staging point rather than a strict end goal, especially for those planning a longer traverse around the Font Sancte massif.

FAQ

How high up is Lac Sainte-Anne? It sits at 2,414 metres, making it the highest of the main lakes in the Ceillac valley.

Is it really the biggest lake in the Queyras? Yes — at around 8.5 hectares, it's considered the largest body of water within the Queyras Regional Natural Park.

Where does the name come from? It comes from the chapel dedicated to Saint Anne built on the moraine above the shore, the focus of an annual pilgrimage held every 26 July since the 17th century.

Which route is quicker if time is tight? The Chaurionde car park gives the shortest approach; the route via Lac Miroir from Ceillac is longer but shows more scenery along the way.

Can the hike be extended further? Yes, the trail continues past the lake toward the Col Girardin and down into the Ubaye valley, allowing for a longer multi-stage route.