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1904

Montreux

The first Belle Époque boat to be re-steamed, the oldest in the fleet with the most modern engine!
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
Length
68.3 meters
Power
900 kW
Capacity
560 people
Propulsion
Steam machine
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1902 - 1904

The Genesis of the Pioneer

In 1902, the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN) commissioned a new ship from the Sulzer Frères shipyard in Winterthur, intended to become the flagship of its fleet. Ordered simultaneously with its sister ship, the Général Dufour, the "Montreux" entered service on May 12, 1904. Tastefully decorated according to the principles of Art Nouveau, the narcissus motif naturally adorns its mahogany woodwork, the work of Joseph Mittey, a professor at the School of Industrial Arts in Geneva. The stained-glass windows were crafted in Lausanne.
1904 - 1914

The Belle Époque on Lake Geneva

During its early years, the "Montreux" sailed with its original steam engine, crisscrossing Lake Geneva and transporting passengers and tourists drawn to the lake's beauty. As tradition dictates, a Belle Époque boat is moored in Le Bouveret during the summer months to make the loops around the Upper Lake. The "Montreux" provided these prestigious services, a privileged witness to the golden age of tourism on Lake Geneva. Its white funnel, highlighted by a black band, distinguishes it on the lake's waters.
1914 - 1940

The interwar period

The "Montreux" survived the First World War and continued its service during the interwar period. In the 1930s, Captain Gustave Correvon regularly spent the night on board, moored at Le Bouveret. The freezing temperatures sometimes forced him to place his inkwell on the boiler to thaw the ink before recording the day's statistics. The boat navigated these decades with unwavering consistency, tirelessly continuing its rounds on the lake.
1940 - 1945

The forced halt due to the war

During World War II, the "Montreux" was forced to stop sailing due to its high coal consumption, at a time when coal was in short supply. This enforced pause illustrates the sacrifices imposed by the conflict, even on the peaceful symbols of civilian navigation. The ship awaited better days, moored and silent, while Europe went through one of its darkest periods.
1945 - 1958

Return to service

After the war, the "Montreux" gradually resumed its activities on the lake with its original steam engine. It returned to its traditional missions and continued to provide services on the Upper Lake and the popular cruises enjoyed by passengers. However, its machinery was inevitably aging, and the question of modernization gradually arose in the face of increasing technical requirements.
1958 - 1962

The license was revoked

In 1958, the navigation permit for the "Montreux" was revoked. Faced with the obsolescence of its original steam engine and anticipating the additional traffic generated by the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition, the CGN decided on a radical modernization. Between 1959 and 1961, its steam engine was replaced by a diesel-electric propulsion unit. This transformation marked a turning point: the pioneer of 1904 embraced modern technology.
1962 - 1964

Renaissance for Expo 64

Refurbished in 1962, the "Montreux" returned to service and prepared to actively participate in the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition. It transported thousands of visitors who came to discover this showcase of Swiss craftsmanship. The ship demonstrated that technical modernization could extend the life of a historic vessel while preserving its elegant exterior.
1964 - 1980

The diesel era begins

On August 28, 1964, a breakdown occurred between Le Bouveret and Villeneuve, requiring a spectacular scramble involving six boats at the Villeneuve landing stage, a remarkable event reported by the "Montreux" newspaper. The "Montreux" continued its services with its new diesel-electric engine, faithfully providing connections on the Upper Lake and the popular cruises on Lake Geneva.
1980 - 1997

Progressive aging

For nearly two more decades, the "Montreux" continued to fulfill its daily missions. Over the years, despite successive coats of paint attempting to conceal the passage of time, the boat aged. By the end of the 1990s, its diesel engine had reached the end of its lifespan. A crucial choice then faced the CGN: scrap this century-old veteran or breathe new life into it through an ambitious restoration.
1998

A bold project

To mark its 125th anniversary, the CGN launched an unprecedented project: to re-vaporize the "Montreux." To finance this audacious venture, the company issued 20,000 shares at 100 francs each. More than a thousand shareholders agreed to pay 1000 francs to receive a complete set of eight shares adorned with watercolors of Belle Époque boats, signed by the artist Ueli Colombi. This collective effort demonstrates the public's attachment to Lake Geneva's heritage.
1998 - 2000

The masterful restoration

Between 1998 and 2001, the "Montreux" underwent a masterful restoration representing an investment of 10 million francs, of which 3,5 million were dedicated to the steam engine alone. It received a new engine designed by Dampfmaschinen- und Lokomotivfabrik DLM AG of Winterthur, built to the same dimensions as the one in the..."Helvétie". A world first: this machine is remotely controlled from the walkway. An automated oil-fired boiler is installed to provide modern heating.
2000 - 2001

Regain the original silhouette

The boat has regained its original silhouette with its tall funnel and rounded wheelhouse, erasing the unfortunate alterations accumulated over the decades. During this restoration, it inherited the sumptuous Louis Philippe woodwork from the Valais salon, which disappeared in 2003, thus giving it a second life. Launched in December 2000, the "Montreux" is preparing for its triumphant return to the waters of Lake Geneva.
2001

The triumphant return

On May 19, 2001, the "Montreux" made its triumphant return to Lake Geneva. For the occasion, a generous patron commissioned custom-made Belle Époque uniforms for the entire crew, from the cashier to the captain. A naval parade off the coast of the "Montreux" celebrated this historic moment, bringing together five Belle Époque boats. The first and only steam-powered vessel in the fleet officially returned to service, marking a major step in the preservation of naval heritage.
2004 - 2005

Memorable anecdotes

In the spring of 2004, the "Montreux" received the whistle of Major Davel (1892-1967), an audible testament to Lake Geneva's heritage. One evening in August 2005, Captain Michel Bonzon offered his passengers an unforgettable moment: stopped halfway between Yvoire and Rolle to admire the sunset, he sounded the whistle throughout the entire disappearance of the sun behind the Jura mountains, consuming so much steam that the boiler pressure had to be increased before the ship could depart.
2011

Heritage classification

In 2011, the CGN's Belle Époque fleet, including the "Montreux," was classified as a historical monument of national interest by the canton of Vaud. This classification, with a rating of 1, ensures permanent protection and entails the complete preservation of the form and substance of these exceptional vessels. The "Montreux" thus joins the canton's very select list of movable historical monuments.
2011 - Today

Symbol of a successful rebirth

The "Montreux" regularly participates in the CGN's naval parades, including the 2022 parade off the coast of Montreux. The first and only Belle Époque vessel to be re-steamed, it embodies the fascinating paradox of being the oldest ship in the fleet while possessing the most modern steam engine. It remains a symbol of a successful revival, living proof that innovation and heritage can harmoniously unite to preserve an exceptional cultural legacy.

"Montreux" The vaporized dean of Lake Geneva

A true pioneer of the Belle Époque fleet, the "Montreux" was launched on May 12, 1904, at the Sulzer Frères shipyard in Winterthur. Decorated according to the principles of Art Nouveau, the narcissus adorns its mahogany woodwork, the work of Joseph Mittey, a professor at the School of Industrial Arts in Geneva. After sailing with its original steam engine, it was converted to diesel-electric power between 1959 and 1961. In 1998, the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) launched an ambitious project: to re-steam the "Montreux." Between 1998 and 2001, it became the first and only Belle Époque vessel to return to steam power, equipped with a modern engine remotely controlled from the bridge—a world first. During this restoration, it acquired the Louis Philippe woodwork from the Valais saloon. This centenarian vessel combines the antiquity of its hull with the modernity of its propulsion system.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The 21st Century Steam Engine

A world first, remotely controlled

A fascinating paradox: the "Montreux," the oldest vessel in the fleet, houses the CGN's newest steam engine. Designed between 1998 and 2001 by DLM AG of Winterthur, based on the dimensions of the..."Helvétie". This modern engine develops 660 kW (900 horsepower). A world first, it is entirely remotely controlled from the bridge, allowing the captain to directly command the propulsion. This revival marks the first steam propulsion system built in Switzerland since 1929, embodying the successful marriage of heritage and technological innovation.

The Valais woodwork and the original Art Nouveau decorations of the living room

A Belle Époque setting

The first-class lounge of the "Montreux" houses a treasure steeped in history, where sumptuous Louis Philippe woodwork inherited from the ship coexists. Valais and the original Art Nouveau narcissus decorations: during the 1998–2001 restoration, when the Valais (1913–2003) could not be saved; its finest ornaments were transplanted aboard the "Montreux" »Giving a second life to this precious heritage and perpetuating the memory of a ship lost to time, the mahogany woodwork, delicately adorned with daffodils—the emblematic flower of Montreux—is the work of Joseph Mittey, a professor at the School of Industrial Arts in Geneva, and is enhanced by stained-glass windows created in Lausanne according to the principles of Art Nouveau. More than a century after their creation, these refined decorations bear witness to the elegance of an era when a journey on Lake Geneva was as much a visual experience as a way of life.

The bell

An unusual destiny

It took over 70 years for the original bronze bell of the "Montreux" to be returned to its place on the bow of the venerable steamship in 2017. This bell has had a most unusual history. Removed and stored at the CGN shipyard in the 1940s, it was sold for a pittance, along with two others, to a scrap dealer who then resold them. While these two unfortunate companions have both disappeared, the "Montreux" bell miraculously resurfaced thanks to André Fatzer, a passionate collector from St-Sulpice. In the 60s, he saved for months to acquire this piece of heritage that no one else was interested in. Upon his death in 2014, it was bequeathed to the Lake Geneva Museum in Nyon, which agreed to its return to its original location.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The 21st Century Steam Engine

A world first, remotely controlled

A fascinating paradox: the "Montreux," the oldest vessel in the fleet, houses the CGN's newest steam engine. Designed between 1998 and 2001 by DLM AG of Winterthur, based on the dimensions of the..."Helvétie". This modern engine develops 660 kW (900 horsepower). A world first, it is entirely remotely controlled from the bridge, allowing the captain to directly command the propulsion. This revival marks the first steam propulsion system built in Switzerland since 1929, embodying the successful marriage of heritage and technological innovation.

The Valais woodwork and the original Art Nouveau decorations of the living room

A Belle Époque setting

The first-class lounge of the "Montreux" houses a treasure steeped in history, where sumptuous Louis Philippe woodwork inherited from the ship coexists. Valais and the original Art Nouveau narcissus decorations: during the 1998–2001 restoration, when the Valais (1913–2003) could not be saved; its finest ornaments were transplanted aboard the "Montreux" »Giving a second life to this precious heritage and perpetuating the memory of a ship lost to time, the mahogany woodwork, delicately adorned with daffodils—the emblematic flower of Montreux—is the work of Joseph Mittey, a professor at the School of Industrial Arts in Geneva, and is enhanced by stained-glass windows created in Lausanne according to the principles of Art Nouveau. More than a century after their creation, these refined decorations bear witness to the elegance of an era when a journey on Lake Geneva was as much a visual experience as a way of life.

The bell

An unusual destiny

It took over 70 years for the original bronze bell of the "Montreux" to be returned to its place on the bow of the venerable steamship in 2017. This bell has had a most unusual history. Removed and stored at the CGN shipyard in the 1940s, it was sold for a pittance, along with two others, to a scrap dealer who then resold them. While these two unfortunate companions have both disappeared, the "Montreux" bell miraculously resurfaced thanks to André Fatzer, a passionate collector from St-Sulpice. In the 60s, he saved for months to acquire this piece of heritage that no one else was interested in. Upon his death in 2014, it was bequeathed to the Lake Geneva Museum in Nyon, which agreed to its return to its original location.

The revival of a heritage

Historical revaporation

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

Between 1998 and 2001, the "Montreux" underwent a complete restoration, marking a turning point in the fleet's history: its recommissioning by steam. To celebrate the CGN's 125th anniversary in 1998, an unprecedented project was launched. To finance this ambitious undertaking, the company issued 20,000 shares at 100 francs each. More than a thousand shareholders subscribed for 1000 francs to receive a complete set of eight shares adorned with watercolors of Belle Époque boats, signed by Ueli Colombi.

The "Montreux" thus became the symbol of a collective effort in favor of Lake Geneva's heritage. Representing an investment of 10 million francs, this restoration project called upon Dampfmaschinen- und Lokomotivfabrik DLM AG of Winterthur to build the new steam engine, constructed according to the dimensions of the original.Helvétie.

The main stages of the project were as follows: complete dismantling of the diesel-electric propulsion system installed between 1959 and 1961, meticulous restoration of the hull and superstructure, reconstruction of the rounded wheelhouse and the large funnel to recreate the 1904 silhouette, installation of the new propulsion system, and finally, relaunching in December 2000. A moving moment marked the restoration: the integration of the Louis Philippe woodwork from the Valais, a ship that could not be saved. On May 19, 2001, the "Montreux" made its triumphant return, the first and only Belle Époque vessel to be re-powered.

Technical Renaissance and Heritage

The masterful restoration carried out between 1998 and 2001 marked a historic turning point for the "Montreux." The first and only Belle Époque vessel to return to steam power after decades of diesel propulsion, it benefited from remarkable technical innovations: a modern steam engine remotely controlled from the bridge—a world first—an automated oil-fired boiler, and the restoration of its original silhouette with its tall funnel and rounded wheelhouse. This bold re-steaming project, representing an investment of 10 million Swiss francs, demonstrates that it is possible to combine heritage preservation and technical excellence to ensure the long-term viability of a floating historical monument.

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

The Belle Époque Fleet

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