Best attractions and places to see around Pexonne include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department of France. The commune is situated near the Vosges mountains and is notably home to a significant portion of the Lac de Pierre-Percée. This area offers diverse opportunities for exploration, from historical landmarks to natural features. The region's past is marked by industrial heritage and wartime events, complemented by serene natural surroundings.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Pierre-Percée is a small mountain village in the east of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, on the edge of the Vosges Mountains. With fewer than 100 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest communes in the region. Situated on the edge of the Plaine Valley, the village is built at the foot of the ruins of the medieval Château de Pierre-Percée, which once belonged to the Counts of Salm. The village's name refers to a 33-meter-deep well carved into the rock beneath the castle. During the Thirty Years' War, the village, like the castle, was largely destroyed. In the 20th century, Pierre-Percée regained significance with the construction of the EDF reservoir and the creation of a recreation area, which today attracts tourists for hiking, water sports, and nature experiences.
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Pictures do not do justice to this lake and nearby hikes. Free parking serves as a good start to different hiking routes.
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This memorial commemorates the dead of the First World War as well as the citizens of Pierre-Percée who died in other wars.
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Two prominent rocks form a great viewing point here. They are connected by a bridge and can be reached via a staircase. On the first rock you will find a panoramic map on the brick parapet. There is a natural bench under this rock. The German command post for this section of the front during the First World War is also located here. It was fortified with reinforced concrete in 1916.
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Beautiful circular walk. With parking spaces for RVs/campers, great bathing bays on the lake
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Very beautiful overall views of the lake from the dam, especially in autumn. Beautiful view also of the rear of the dam with the Vosges in the background. The adjoining parking lot allows you to start the hike from this point as well. Under a large shelter next to it, information on large panels tells the history of the dam.
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Beautiful elevated viewpoint and easy to access.
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EDF dam built in the 1980s. The lake supplies the Meurthe then the Moselle in order to compensate for the water needs of the Cattenom power station.
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The region around Pexonne is rich in natural beauty. A prominent feature is Lake Pierre-Percée, a large artificial lake ideal for hiking and mountain biking, known for its unique maple leaf shape and surrounding fir trees. You can also visit Raven Rock for panoramic views of the lake, or the Vieux-Pré Dam, which offers stunning overall views, especially in autumn, and serves as a starting point for hikes.
Yes, Pexonne has several historical points of interest. The Roche Mère Henry is a significant site, a former World War I fortress with a viewing platform, panoramic map, and remnants of a German command post. The village of Pierre-Percée itself is home to the ruins of a medieval château and a 33-meter-deep well carved into the rock. Additionally, the Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens Church, with its 18th-century origins and distinctive bulb-shaped roof, and the Calvaire Monuments commemorating World War II victims, offer insights into the area's past.
The area around Pexonne is excellent for various outdoor activities. Lake Pierre-Percée is a superb spot for hiking and mountain biking. You can find numerous trails, including those around the lake, offering diverse experiences. For more specific routes, you can explore MTB Trails around Pexonne, Gravel biking around Pexonne, and Cycling around Pexonne.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Raven Rock offers a pleasant stroll through a shady forest trail with a picnic area and a playground nearby at the Vieux Pré area. The village of Pierre-Percée, with its medieval castle ruins and deep well, can also be an engaging visit for families. The general area around Lake Pierre-Percée provides opportunities for easy walks and enjoying nature.
Pexonne is enjoyable throughout the year, but autumn is particularly recommended for its beautiful overall views of Lake Pierre-Percée from the Vieux-Pré Dam, as the foliage changes. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on the lake, with pleasant temperatures and lush greenery. Winter offers a different charm for those who enjoy colder weather activities amidst the fir trees.
Numerous hiking trails are available, particularly around Lake Pierre-Percée and the surrounding forests. Trails range from easy, family-friendly walks to more challenging routes. For detailed information on various hiking options and their difficulty levels, you can explore the MTB Trails around Pexonne guide, which also includes routes suitable for hiking.
Absolutely. Raven Rock is a popular viewpoint providing a bird's eye view of Lake Pierre-Percée through the fir trees. The Vieux-Pré Dam also offers very beautiful overall views of the lake, especially during autumn. Additionally, Roche Mère Henry, a former WWI fortress, features a viewing platform with a panoramic map.
The small mountain village of Pierre-Percée, located on the edge of the Vosges Mountains, is known for the ruins of its medieval Château de Pierre-Percée. Its name, meaning 'pierced stone,' comes from a remarkable 33-meter-deep well carved into the rock beneath the castle. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, attracting visitors interested in its past and the surrounding recreation area.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural landscapes, especially around Lake Pierre-Percée, which is praised for its beauty and opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The panoramic views from spots like Raven Rock and the Vieux-Pré Dam are also highly rated. The blend of serene nature with historical sites like Roche Mère Henry offers a diverse and engaging experience for many.
Yes, the Pexonne area offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can find various routes for different cycling styles, including mountain biking and gravel biking. For detailed routes and guides, check out MTB Trails around Pexonne, Gravel biking around Pexonne, and Cycling around Pexonne, which feature routes like the 'Lac de Pierre-Percée' loop and 'Pierre-Percée – Nice view - Raon-l'Étape' loop.
Roche Mère Henry is a historically significant site from World War I. This rocky outcrop was heavily fortified by German troops on the Vosges front and was a site of intense fighting. Today, the two rocks, connected by a bridge and accessible via stairs, offer an interesting vantage point with a panoramic map and remnants of a German command post fortified in concrete, providing a glimpse into its wartime past.
Yes, several spots are ideal for picnicking and relaxing. Near Raven Rock, there's a picnic area at the Vieux Pré site, which also includes a playground and barbecue facilities. The shores of Lake Pierre-Percée also offer numerous beautiful bays and spots to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.


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