Lacroix and Ségure lakes

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A long climb up the Ségure valley leads to these two grassy lakes nestled in the large cirque formed by the peaks of Pic des Fonds de Peynin, Grand Queyras and Pic Ségure.

Details

n°13811389
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.32 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,533 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,533 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,812 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,276 ft
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Photos

The Lacroix and Ségure lakes seen from the Cournailles ridge.
Lacroix or Ségure Lake
First viewpoints
Descent to Ristolas

Description of the walk

Park in the large car park located past the Ristolas holiday centre.

(S/E) Take the road, walk past the church and begin the climb until you reach the Ségure Valley Forest Track. Turn left onto it and follow the yellow markings. You’ll reach a junction with a shortcut at a hairpin bend.

(1) Turn right onto the path to rejoin the track further up.
Note: on the IGN map, the track ends here; this is an error as it actually continues, which is also indicated on the OSM map.
Continue along the track up a long but steady climb. You will then reach the junction with the path leading to the lakes.

(2) Turn left onto the path and, after a steady climb, reach Lower Lacroix Lake.

(3) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return at a leisurely pace to the Ristolas car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,279 ft - Ristolas car park. Near the - Guil (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 1.06 - alt. 5,768 ft - Shortcut at the crossroads
  3. 2 : mi 3.3 - alt. 7,113 ft - Lakes crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 4.11 - alt. 7,812 ft - Lacs Lacroix ou de Ségure
  5. S/E : mi 8.32 - alt. 5,279 ft - Ristolas car park

Notes

There is no water on the route except from the streams. Consider bringing Micropure.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
hora
hora

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I found the start of the walk, along the forest track, rather long and lacking in particularly interesting views. Once on the path, it’s much better.

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chevalir
chevalir

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Some lovely walks; the lake is lovely and not too busy. No difficulties; it’s shaded for most of the way – only the final stretch is a bit more exposed.

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annemariealain.denis
annemariealain.denis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very good trail after the track. The track is long but pleasant "in the cool air"

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manapani51
manapani51

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, easy hike with a gradual climb. Shortly before reaching the lake, snow appeared, partially covering the ground. This was a surprise for 21 September, but it created a unique setting for this charming lake.

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Veromimi
Veromimi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Pleasant hike. Beautiful arrival at a lake despite overcast weather.

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claireMe
claireMe

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent view when we arrived at the frozen lake, we only met a few people; however, the trail was a bit long.

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papinou38
papinou38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Today's hike was easy to follow. Take the forest track that climbs steadily to the signpost indicating the lake 1.3 km and 40 minutes away. It's a lovely balcony trail. With a little more effort, you can reach the second lake, which is much smaller, but the view of the large lake is magnificent. Then, all that remains is to descend via the same route, where we encountered a few people climbing in bright sunshine. For those setting off at 9 a.m. from the car park, the climb is in the shade, which is preferable. You will find sunshine when you leave the forest on the balcony trail.

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HBFAM
HBFAM
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy and pleasant walk. The second lake is very small, but it offers a beautiful view of the larger lake below.

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bernard951
bernard951

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant stroll.

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Phasme91
Phasme91

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It's a round trip, but it climbs steadily without any difficulties. Beautiful scenery and a beautiful lake.

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migar
migar

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Pleasant climb through the forest. Swimming possible at the end.
At the summit of Ségure, with a good pair of binoculars, you can spot large ibex.
A good walk, highly recommended.

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