i 🌊 Lakes & swimming
Lac de Pierre-Percée
“Lorraine’s fjords”: a large lake among forests and peninsulas, with canoeing, treetop adventure and supervised swimming at the nearby Lac de la Plaine.
Overview
On the edge of the Vosges massif, in the south of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lake Pierre-Percée was created by the Vieux-Pré dam, commissioned by EDF in 1993. Its primary purpose was to support the flow of the Moselle during dry spells. Seen from the air, its deeply indented shoreline traces a shape often compared to a maple leaf, and its long wooded arms have earned it the nickname of the “Lorraine fjords”.
The main lake is best explored by canoe and on foot. A rental point lets you head off to discover its coves by canoe, and an adventure park on the shore offers treetop courses. Lifeguarded swimming, meanwhile, takes place in summer at the Lac de la Plaine, at the Celles-sur-Plaine leisure centre: a gently shelving beach, a marked-off swimming area, pedalos and canoes. Together, the two lakes form a “lake country” where you can combine hiking, mountain biking, archery and fishing. A campsite with a swimming pool and a holiday-cottage village beside the Lac de la Plaine let you extend your stay. Outside the summer months, the area recovers a calm much appreciated by walkers and photographers.
Where to do it
In Pierre-Percée (Meurthe-et-Moselle (54)), in Lorraine. Best season: ☀️ Summer.
Good to know
Nicknamed the “Lorraine fjords” for its long wooded arms and deeply indented shores.
Tips
Arrive early on summer weekends; hire a canoe to explore the coves.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Pierre-Percée?
Lifeguarded swimming takes place in summer at the Lac de la Plaine leisure centre in Celles-sur-Plaine, just below. The main Lake Pierre-Percée is mainly used for water sports and walking. Stay within the marked area and check the water-quality results posted on site.
Why was Lake Pierre-Percée created?
EDF developed the site to make up for the water from the Moselle used by the Cattenom nuclear power station during low-water periods. Lake Pierre-Percée, the upper reservoir, is linked to the Lac de la Plaine by a hydroelectric plant that can either generate power or pump water back up.
What activities are there around the lakes?
There is an adventure park on the shores of Pierre-Percée, a canoe rental point, plus an outdoor sports centre and a leisure centre at the Lac de la Plaine. Hiking, mountain biking, archery, fishing, sailing and diving are also on offer, often through local clubs.
How do I get to the lake and the dam?
The dam can be reached via the D392A from Raon-l’Étape or Celles-sur-Plaine, and via the D182A from the village of Pierre-Percée. For swimming and family activities, the easiest option is to park at the Celles-sur-Plaine leisure centre car park.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.
Nearby (within 40 km)
Weekend idea around Pierre-Percée
- 1Lac de Pierre-PercéeStarting point · Pierre-Percée
- 2Alsace-Moselle MemorialMust-do activity · 21 km away
- 3Treetop Adventure at Parc Alsace AventureMust-do activity · 27 km away
Looking for more ideas in the area?