Pierre Percée, Natural arch in Pierre-Châtel, France

Pierre Percée is a natural rock formation on a hillside in Matheysine that rises above 1200 meters in elevation. An opening runs through the structure at roughly 3 meters tall, creating the distinctive arch profile that gives this site its name.

The formation belongs to the Seven Wonders of Dauphiné, a collection of notable natural landmarks from the historical Dauphiné region. Its recognition among these important local sites reflects its standing in the natural and cultural history of the area.

Local legend makes the arch the devil Folaton, petrified on the hilltop as punishment. In René Reymond's telling, Folaton was forced to build the park wall of Lesdiguières' estate near Vizille, was outwitted by the blessed horse, and was thrown onto the Creys hill by an archangel. Other tales say solstice sunbeams passing through the 3 m hole mark a magic spot.

The arch stands at 1,220 metres on the Creys hill above Pierre-Châtel. Two marked approaches exist, one from the Pierre-Châtel side and one from La Motte-d'Aveillans; the round trip on foot covers about 8 km. From the top of the hill the whole Matheysine plateau is visible.

The arch is made of triassic cargneule, a rock of silica and dolomite shaped by erosion. Its western pillar measures 26.30 metres around at the base and narrows to 3 metres at the top. In 1908 a crack opened in one pillar and cement was poured into the fissure to prevent a collapse.