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1926

Helvétie

Third great steamship of the Belle Époque fleet, originally equipped with the legendary three-cylinder engine, unique in the world!
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
Length
78.5 meters
Power
1030 kW
Capacity
850 people
Propulsion
to be determined
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1923 - 1926

Birth of an innovation

Ordered in 1923 to perpetuate the line of great steamships after " La Suisse and the Simplon, the Helvétie " is distinguished by a technical ambition: a three-cylinder continuous-flow steam engine, intended to be more economical. Built by Sulzer Frères in Winterthur for 1,060 million francs, it was inaugurated on August 21, 1926 in Ouchy amid popular jubilation and entered service on September 15, 1926.
1926 - 1930

The prosperous years

The " Helvétie "operates the express service from Le Bouveret, replacing the " Savoie "on the prestigious routes. The first CGN boat to immediately sport the yellow-ochre and black funnel, it symbolizes modernity and post-war renewal. Its three-cylinder engine ensures a particularly smooth and comfortable ride, captivating passengers with its elegance and remarkable performance on the waters of Lake Geneva."
1930 - 1945

Crisis and war

The great economic crisis of the 1930s disrupted the exploitation of the " Helvétie Deemed too large and expensive, it was withdrawn from express service in favor of smaller vessels. During the Second World War, although not decommissioned, it sailed very little, spending long periods in port. These difficult years marked the beginning of a more modest operation for this giant, initially destined for a glorious future.
1945 - 1960

Sunday service

The post-war period saw the " Helvétie "It resumed service, but on a limited basis. It primarily operated the Upper Lake cruises on Sundays and the famous "dancing cruises" on Saturday evenings, which were very popular at the time. In 1960, a major modernization took place with the installation of oil burners replacing coal, allowing for more intensive and economical operation of the ship in the following years."
1975

The fatal oil shock

The first oil crisis of 1975 sealed the fate of the steam engine of the " Helvétie Faced with soaring fuel prices and aging boilers, the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) decided against replacing them, unlike the other steamships in its fleet. This decision had far-reaching consequences: the conversion to diesel-electric power was decided upon. Lacking sufficient funds, a second-hand generator from the Danube tugboat Goliath was installed.
1976 - 1977

Controversial transformation

Between 1975 and 1977, the " Helvétie The boat underwent a major transformation. Its magnificent three-cylinder steam engine, a unique piece in the world, was removed. Part of this 24-ton piece of machinery was bought by the City of Nyon at scrap metal prices and put on display at the Lake Geneva Museum. The electrical system was upgraded to 220 volts and a new electro-hydraulic steering system was installed. The boat was reborn as a diesel-electric vessel.
1977

Disappointing return

Put back into service for the 1977 Fête des Vignerons, the " Helvétie Unfortunately, it has not lived up to its promises. The second-hand diesel-electric generator, salvaged from the tugboat Goliath, has proven temperamental. Delays, breakdowns, and incidents have multiplied, apparently due to the age of this engine, purchased due to insufficient funds. Gradually relegated to reserve duty, the boat now only operates one or two cruises per week.
1977 - 2002

The silence

In May 2002, the diesel-electric propulsion unit finally gave up the ghost. The " Helvétie The ship is decommissioned. As soon as the vessel stops, all furniture and movable equipment are removed. The decks are coated with an effective waterproofing membrane to keep the ship dry. A fire detection system and an intrusion alarm complete these preservation measures. The giant goes into hibernation.
2011

First awakening

Classified as a historical monument by the canton of Vaud in 2011, the " Helvétie The boat benefited from its first salvage operation. The CGN and the ABVL seized the opportunity of its availability to house the "Ephemeral Olympic Museum" during the renovation of the Olympic Museum in Ouchy. The ABVL financed the restoration of the hull and part of the superstructure. The boat was temporarily brought back to life, moored at the Ouchy quayside.
2012 - 2013

Floating Museum

For two years, the " Helvétie The ship is hosting the "Ephemeral Olympic Museum," moored in front of the Ouchy quay. This unique function allows the public to rediscover this heritage gem and ensures its temporary preservation. In 2015, after the exhibition "100 Years Together... The IOC & Lausanne," the ship left Ouchy to return to the CGN shipyard. Unseaworthy, it has been waiting there ever since for an ambitious project of complete renovation.
2016 - Today

Waiting and hope

The boat is currently moored in Geneva to free up space at the Lausanne shipyard. It will be the next Belle Époque vessel to undergo a complete restoration after the "Simplon".

"Helvétie", the sleeping giant (disarmed since 2002)

The third and last of the CGN's large steamships, the " Helvétie " was launched in 1926, in the hope of a revival after the turmoil of the Great War. Commissioned from the Sulzer shipyards, it distinguished itself from the outset with its revolutionary three-cylinder continuous-flow steam engine—a first on Lake Geneva—and its elegant yellow-ochre funnel, which would become the emblem of the entire Belle Époque fleet. For half a century, this majestic vessel embodied the refinement of Lake Geneva cruises, before an unfortunate fate condemned it to silence in 2002. Laid up but not forgotten, and listed as a "Historic Monument" since 2011, the " Helvétie "patiently awaits its rebirth."

The revival of a heritage

A renovation project to be completed

The eight boats in the CGN's Belle Époque fleet possess a unique heritage and tourism value. The renovation of each one requires specialized expertise, both technical and in terms of heritage preservation. This translates to a cost of between 20 and 30 million Swiss francs per boat for a complete renovation.

The " Helvétie The ship, decommissioned since 2002, has not yet benefited from this essential general renovation. In 2011, an initial salvage operation enabled the restoration of the hull and part of the superstructure, financed by the ABVL as part of its use as a "temporary Olympic Museum" between 2012 and 2013.

Today, the boat is waiting at the CGN shipyard for a complete renovation. The question of propulsion – steam or modern diesel-electric – remains open and is currently the subject of a study.

These boats sail thanks to you

Maintaining a Belle Époque fleet in seaworthy condition is a constant challenge. Each boat requires constant care — and sometimes, major restorations that represent millions of francs and tens of thousands of hours of work.

It is thanks to the generosity of passionate donors that ABVL can intervene, preserve these jewels of Lake Geneva's heritage and pass them on to future generations. Your support makes a difference.

Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
The boats
Helvétie
Simplon
Savoie
Vevey
Italie
Rhone
La Suisse
Montreux

The Belle Époque Fleet

Heritage & Know-how

Navigation & Schedule