Château de Pierre Percée

The site is currently undergoing a heritage consolidation and tourism development project. Access to the site is therefore closed for the duration of the work. Discover the remains of this imposing medieval castle built on a ridge bristling with superb pink sandstone cliffs, overlooking the village of Pierre Percée and the downstream part of the lake. In the early 12th century, the de Salm family took possession of the site. It was at this time that Agnès de Langenstein strengthened the defences by adding a square tower and digging a 100-foot-deep well, giving the castle the name "Pierre-Percée". Around 1135, Etienne de Bar, Bishop of Metz, laid siege to the castle, which he considered impregnable, by building 3 forts: Dame Galle (whose ruins can still be seen), at La Roche des Corbeaux and at Ortomont. The Messins captured the castle after a year-long siege. In the 13th century, it seems established that the Templars occupied the building until the early 16th century, when it was no longer used as a residence but as a fortress. During the 30 Years' War, the Swedes, allies of the French, captured and set fire to the fortification. Richelieu had it dismantled, as did many other castles in Lorraine. The stones were later used to rebuild the village. At the same time, enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the lake and the village of Pierre Percée!