The Association of Friends of Lake Geneva Steamships
Guardians of Belle Époque heritage since 2002
For over twenty years, we have been working together to preserve Lake Geneva's heritage. The ABVL brings together a community of 20,000 donors and 4,000 members who share the same passion for Belle Époque boats.
These ships form the oldest fleet of Belle Époque boats still in operation in the world. For over a century, they have sailed on the waters of Lake Geneva and represent an exceptional nautical heritage, recognized far beyond our borders.
A unique mission for an exceptional fleet
ABVL is a non-profit association whose mission is to raise funds for the preservation and maintenance of the eight Belle Époque boats of the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN): "Montreux", "Vevey", " Italie "," La Suisse "," Savoie "Simplon", " Helvétie " and "Rhône". It is registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Vaud.
To date, nearly A total of CHF 40 million was raised. by the association. The share contributed by ABVL, after its creation in 2002, represents approximately 35% of the total amount invested for the renovations of this fleet.
A passion that has brought people together since 2002
Created in June 2002 by enthusiasts determined to save a historic fleet threatened for financial reasons, the ABVL now brings together around 20,000 donors and nearly 4,000 active members, proof of the public's attachment to this unique Lake Geneva heritage.
In August 2003, the association faced its first major challenge: an accidental fuel oil explosion in the port boiler severely damaged the "Simplon" while it was anchored off Geneva. Fortunately, the accident resulted only in minor injuries, but it revealed to the public that the entire Belle Époque fleet of the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) was at risk of disappearing. Barely a year old, the ABVL mobilized and managed to raise 100 Swiss francs in less than four weeks, contributing to the ship's rescue.
A recognized and protected heritage
The excellence of ABVL's commitment and the exceptional value of the Belle Époque fleet have been recognized through prestigious awards and a unique protection status.
Since 2011, these eight boats have constituted the the only Vaudois historical monuments not anchored in the ground. This classification guarantees their preservation for future generations.
These recognitions, from the cantonal to the European level, confirm the importance of the heritage we are preserving.
International and national recognition
2014
Europa Nostra Award of the European Union
This prestigious award celebrates excellence in the conservation of European heritage. It aims to promote high-quality standards and skills in the field of conservation, and to stimulate international exchange in the heritage sector.
Specialist juries composed of independent experts from across Europe evaluate the selected projects in four award categories: conservation, research, outstanding contributions, and education, training and awareness-raising.
ABVL was very proud to receive this award for the project "The Belle Epoque Boats of Lake Geneva, Lausanne", which was among the 27 winners of the competition, chosen from 160 projects selected in 30 countries.
2011
Listed as a historical monument
The Belle Époque fleet obtains maximum protection status from the Canton of Vaud, becoming the only Vaudois historical monuments not anchored in the ground.
2010
Vaud Heritage Award
The Canton of Vaud officially acknowledges the importance of our mission for the preservation of Lake Geneva's nautical heritage and the excellence of our citizen mobilization.
2008
Swiss Heritage Prize
This first official distinction rewards ABVL's pioneering commitment to heritage preservation and marks the institutional recognition of our collective action.
Organization and operation
It is thanks to the unwavering support of the public, enthusiasts, and generous patrons that we can preserve a vital witness to our history and that of Lake Geneva. We are working for the current generation, but also for future generations, who also deserve to admire and appreciate the majestic Belle Époque boats of the CGN. This ambitious mission relies on rigorous organization and strong partnerships that guarantee the transparency and effectiveness of our actions.
Structure and reports of the ABVL
The bodies of the ABVL are the general assembly, the committee and the auditors or the auditing body.
The general assembly is the supreme body of the ABVL, meeting once a year to define the guidelines and approve the accounts.
The 11-member committee leads the fundraising strategy and approves the allocation of donations to renovation projects. ABVL has an executive board that manages relations with members and donors, communications, and the general operations of the association.
The Pro Vapore Foundation
In 2006, ABVL created a foundation based in Geneva, with the same statutory purpose as its own, and to which it entrusts the funds raised.
Pro Vapore is registered in the Geneva Cantonal Trade Register and is subject to the supervision of the competent authority. It is tax exempt.
The foundation deals, in close collaboration with ABVL, with issues related to the management and allocation of funds raised.