Lac de Pierre-Percée is the largest lake in the Vosges at 304 hectares, with a maximum depth of 78 metres. This artificial reservoir, created by the EDF dam at Vieux-Pré, sits in a setting of Vosges 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.
A lake on another scale
With 3.04 km² of surface area, a 32-kilometre perimeter and 62 million m³ of water, Pierre-Percée dwarfs the other Vosges lakes. Its distinctive maple-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 380 metres altitude in the commune of Pierre-Percée (Meurthe-et-Moselle), on the border of the Vosges department.
Activities
Swimming: swimming is banned in the lake. For a supervised swim, head to the nearby Lac de Celles-sur-Plaine (36 hectares): sandy beach, lifeguarded in season, with kayak, pedal boat and towable tube hire.
Water sports: the leisure base offers canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats and towable tubes. A greenway follows the shoreline for walking and cycling.
Hiking: the lake circuit covers 32 kilometres 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, reached from the village in about 30 minutes on foot.
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
- Perch (sandre)
Regulations:
- Salmonids (trout, whitefish): season runs from the 2nd Saturday in March; whitefish season closes on the last Sunday in October
- Daily bag limit: 6 salmonids per angler
- Predators (pike, perch): 1 per day maximum
- Minimum catch size: trout 25 cm, whitefish 30 cm, pike 60 cm, perch 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. Available at Hôtel-Restaurant le Commerce in Pexonne or at Camping des Lacs.
Launch ramps: four equipped ramps with free parking: Anse des Bordes, Pierre-Percée, Basse Nangoutte and Pré-Barbier. Boat hire available (around €20/day for 3 people, book 48 hours ahead: +33 3 83 42 24 59). Life jackets are compulsory.
Practical information
Getting there from La Bresse: around one hour north by road, via the D415 then 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; March to October for fishing. Avoid July-August weekends if you prefer quieter conditions.
On-site accommodation: Camping des Lacs at Celles-sur-Plaine, on the lakeside.
Leisure base contact: Plage du lac de la Plaine, 54540 Pierre-Percée. 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
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming allowed in Lac de Pierre-Percée?
No. Swimming is banned in the lake itself. The nearby Lac de Celles-sur-Plaine has a supervised sandy beach with water activities including kayaking and pedal boats.
What water activities does the leisure base offer?
The leisure base offers canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats and towable tubes, plus a tree-climbing park. A greenway runs alongside the lake for cycling and walking.
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 perch. 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.
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 full lake circuit is 32 km, accessible on foot or by bike. Highlights include Roche des Corbeaux viewpoint, Roches de la Xaveure and the ruins of Château de Salm.