Lac de Pierre-Percée covers 304 hectares and reaches up to 80 metres deep. Created by the EDF dam at Vieux-Pré, it is one of Lorraine’s largest artificial reservoirs. It sits among forest and pink sandstone cliffs in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, at the heart of the Pays des Lacs.
About one hour’s drive from La Bresse, it offers a full-day excursion into a completely different landscape while staying within the Vosges tourism area.
Summer 2026 update: swimming is banned in both lakes. It is prohibited in Lac de Pierre-Percée and has no longer been allowed in Lac de la Plaine since 2024. Kayaking, pedal boats and towable tubes are still available on the smaller lake. This is confirmed by the official Pays des Lacs authority.
A lake on another scale
With 3.04 km² of surface area, nearly 35 kilometres of waymarked hiking and mountain-bike trails and 61 million m³ of water, Pierre-Percée dwarfs the other Vosges lakes. Its distinctive oak-leaf shape creates multiple coves and inlets edged with fir trees and sandstone cliffs. In dry summers the water level can drop sharply, revealing an almost lunar landscape of exposed ochre earth and emerging rocks.
The lake sits at 386 metres altitude at its maximum level in the commune of Pierre-Percée (Meurthe-et-Moselle), on the border of the Vosges department.
Activities
Swimming: it is banned in Lac de Pierre-Percée. Since 2024, it has no longer been offered or allowed at Lac de la Plaine either. Do not plan a visit to this site around swimming in 2026.
Water sports: the leisure base at Lac de la Plaine remains open for kayaking, pedal boats and towable tubes. These activities are not affected by the swimming closure. Check the calendar and weather conditions before travelling.
Hiking: the waymarked network around the lake totals nearly 35 kilometres of hiking and mountain-bike trails through forest. Key stops include the Roche des Corbeaux (panoramic viewpoint over the lake and Plaine valley), the Roches de la Xaveure and the ruins of Château de Salm.
Fishing: see the dedicated section below.
Fishing at Lac de Pierre-Percée
The lake holds the national “parcours passion” label from the Fédération Nationale de la Pêche en France (FNPF). It is one of the most highly rated fishing destinations in Lorraine.
Species present:
- Whitefish (corégone / féra), introduced in 1989, the lake’s signature species
- Trout
- Pike
- Zander (sandre)
2026 regulations:
- The lake is open to line fishing year-round, with species-specific seasons: check the current order issued by the Meurthe-et-Moselle fishing federation
- Daily bag limit: 6 salmonids per angler
- Predators (pike or zander): 1 fish in total per angler per day
- Minimum catch size: trout 25 cm, whitefish 30 cm, pike 60 cm, zander 50 cm
Fishing licence: mandatory. An AAPPMA licence from Meurthe-et-Moselle or an inter-federation licence is required to fish with more than one line. Check the official 2026 guide and regulations before setting up.
Launch ramps: four equipped ramps with parking: Anse des Bordes, Pierre-Percée, Basse Nangoutte and Pré-Barbier. Access can vary with the water level, so check the current ramp status before travelling. Life jackets are compulsory.
Practical information
Getting there from La Bresse: around one hour north by road, via Gérardmer and Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, then the N59 towards Raon-l’Étape, then on to Celles-sur-Plaine and Pierre-Percée.
When to go: spring and summer for water activities and hiking. Line fishing is possible all year, but open seasons vary by species. Avoid July-August weekends if you prefer quieter conditions. The Vosges department is under a crisis-level drought order until 30 September 2026, and a prefectural order bans fireworks, bonfires and campfires until 1 September.
On-site accommodation: Camping des Lacs at Celles-sur-Plaine.
Leisure base contact: La Grande Haie, 88110 Celles-sur-Plaine. Tel. +33 3 29 41 13 04.
Why make this trip from La Bresse
La Bresse offers mountain lakes and Vosges highlands. Pierre-Percée delivers something completely different: a vast lowland lake, a remote-feeling forest landscape of pink sandstone, and labelled fishing for whitefish on one of Lorraine’s finest spots. Two hours of driving for a full day that broadens the whole trip.
See also
The La Bresse guide, summer edition
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Frequently asked questions
Is swimming allowed in Lac de Pierre-Percée?
No. Swimming is banned in Lac de Pierre-Percée. It has not been allowed at Lac de la Plaine either since 2024. The leisure base remains open for kayaking, pedal boats and towable tubes.
What water activities does the leisure base offer?
The leisure base at Lac de la Plaine offers kayaking, pedal boats and towable tubes. The swimming area is closed, but these water activities remain available according to the opening calendar and weather.
Can you fish in Lac de Pierre-Percée?
Yes. The lake holds the national 'parcours passion' label from the French national fishing federation. Species include trout, whitefish (corégone), pike and zander. A valid fishing licence is required. Four boat launch ramps are available.
How far is Lac de Pierre-Percée from La Bresse?
About one hour's drive north from La Bresse, crossing the Vosges range. It makes an ideal full-day trip.
How deep is Lac de Pierre-Percée?
The lake reaches a depth of up to 80 metres. Its 304 hectares and deep coves provide suitable mountain-lake habitat for whitefish.
Is access to the lake free?
Walking trails and the lake circuit are free. Water activities at the leisure base are charged. Fishing requires a valid licence.
What hikes can you do around the lake?
The waymarked network around the lake totals nearly 35 km of hiking and mountain-bike trails. Highlights include Roche des Corbeaux viewpoint, Roches de la Xaveure and the ruins of Château de Salm.