CHATEAU DE PIERRE PERCEE

The site is currently the subject of a project of heritage consolidation and tourist enhancement. Its access is therefore closed for the duration of the work. Discover the remains of this imposing medieval castle built on a crest spiked with superb pink sandstone cliffs, it dominates the village of Pierre Percée and the downstream part of the lake. At the beginning of the 12th century, the de Salm family took possession of the place. It was at this time that Agnès de Langenstein had the defences reinforced by adding a square tower and digging a well about 100 feet deep, which gave the castle the name "Pierre-Percée". Around 1135, Etienne de Bar, bishop of Metz, laid siege to this castle, which was reputed to be impregnable, by building 3 forts: Dame Galle (whose ruins are still visible), at La Roche des Corbeaux, in Ortomont. The Messins take the castle after a year of siege In the 13th century, it seems to have been established that the Templars occupied the building until the beginning of the 16th century, after which it was no longer used as a residence but as a fortress During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes, allied with the French, took and burnt down this fortification. Richelieu had it dismantled, like many other Lorraine castles Later, the stones were used to rebuild the village Enjoy at the same time a splendid panorama on the lake and the village of Pierre Percée! Guided tours are possible, on reservation. Information at the Tourist Office of Raon l'Etape.