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1908

Italie

A legendary ship of the Belle Époque fleet, twin of the Vevey and a symbol of rebirth!
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
Length
66 meters
Power
540 kW
Capacity
560 people
Propulsion
Diesel-electric
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1906 - 1908

Symbol of Italian-Swiss friendship

On December 1, 1906, the extraordinary general meeting of the CGN decided on the construction of theItalie, sister ship of the "Vevey". Built by Sulzer Frères in Winterthur, it bears the name symbolizing the rapprochement with theItalie following the inauguration of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906. Its elegant first-class lounge in mahogany and lemonwood, in the Empire style, testifies to the refinement of the era. The ship made its first trial run on April 2, 1908, and was inaugurated on May 26 in the presence of the Consul General ofItalie, and entered service on June 1, 1908.
1908 - 1955

A first half-century of steam power on Lake Geneva

During its first half-century of existence, theItalie, equipped with a Sulzer steam engine similar to that of the Savoieis involved in various services throughout the lake.
1956 - 1958

Goodbye to steam, hello to diesel-electric

Between 1956 and 1958, the "Italie" vessel underwent a major transformation: its original steam engine was replaced by a diesel-electric unit, following the example of the "Vevey", which was converted to diesel between 1953 and 1955. This system, consisting of a 8 hp Sulzer 29 BAH 700 engine driving a BBC dynamo, supplied electricity to two traction motors. This modernization reduced operating costs while retaining the paddle wheels. However, the boat lost some of its original heritage character with this technical transformation.
1959 - 2005

A legendary second half-century of diesel-electric

For fifty-six years, theItalie From April to October, it continuously operated the legendary Le Bouveret – Geneva – Le Bouveret trans-Lake Geneva race, its whistle marking the daily rhythm of life for local residents as it approached the landing stages. In the Lavaux vineyards, its 11 a.m. whistle signaled break time: "The boat has whistled!" This boat became a true legend of Lake Geneva, tirelessly traversing its waters. However, over the decades, the boat accumulated kilometers, and its age began to show. Despite regular maintenance, safety standards evolved, and it aged. In 2005, after having traveled more than three million kilometers, theItalie is undertaking its final cruise.
2005

Final whistle and disarmament

On December 4, 2005, the atmosphere was far from festive on board the "Italie". The venerable ship is making its last cruise before being taken out of service due to its age and safety concerns. The CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) lacks the necessary funds to renovate it, and no one knows if this flagship will ever sail again. Kurt Oesch, then Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CGN, sings of his conviction that the ship will be reborn: "Tonight we are very sad, because the "Italie" is stopping, but here we believe it will be reborn more beautiful than before! "Italie" is then moored to the shipyard breakwater, awaiting an uncertain future.
2005 - 2015

Ten years of waiting and mobilization

For ten long years, the "Italie" remains immobilized at the CGN shipyard's breakwater, a silent witness to a heritage in peril. ABVL, a young association with contagious optimism, launches a monumental fundraising campaign to save this jewel. Thanks to the generosity of 20 donors, the association manages to raise 000 million Swiss francs. The Canton of Vaud provides a decisive boost with a 10 million franc grant unanimously approved by the Grand Council in March 3. The funding is finally secured: the restoration can begin.
2015 - 2016

Masterful Renaissance: a reconstruction

On May 12, 2015, the "Italie" was towed into the dry dock to begin its complete renovation. For 18 months, 25 different trades and over 60 hours of work resulted in a true rebirth. Of its 000 tons, only 300 were retained: 70 square meters of sheet metal were replaced (260% of the ship). Only the original metal structure, the paddle wheels, and the restaurant's marquetry were preserved. Everything else was modernized: a new, state-of-the-art diesel-electric propulsion system, a wheelhouse, and an aluminum upper deck. The paddle wheel drums were manufactured in Saint-Nazaire, as with the "Vevey". Total cost: 55 million francs.
2016 - Today

An exceptional boat, all year round

On November 10, 2016, theItalie It has officially returned to its place on Lake Geneva after an exemplary restoration carried out with respect for its history, identical to its sister ship, the Vevey. A living testament to the rich heritage of Lake Geneva navigation, it perpetuates the elegance and craftsmanship of the great paddle steamers that have marked the lake's history. Today, it primarily operates the Lausanne–Geneva and Lausanne–Montreux routes, as well as the Riviera Tour.

"Italie", the Trans-Lake Geneva Legend

A true icon of the Belle Époque fleet, "theItalie " was launched in 1908, amidst the excitement following the inauguration of the Simplon Tunnel. Commissioned from the Sulzer shipyards as a sister ship to the "Vevey", it proudly bears the name symbolizing the rapprochement between Switzerland and theItalieAdorned with its elegant Empire-style salon in mahogany and lemonwood, this legendary boat set the rhythm of life for the locals for nearly fifty years, making the daily crossing between Le Bouveret and Geneva. After traveling more than three million kilometers and surviving a ten-year lay-up, the Italie " was brilliantly reborn between 2015 and 2016. Classified as a "Historical Monument" since 2011, this jewel, restored to its original state, now combines heritage and cutting-edge technologies, embodying the timeless charm of Lake Geneva navigation.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The semi-circular openings

Aquatic ballet unveiled

The "Italie" is distinguished by its large, semicircular glass openings, installed during its 2015-2016 renovation, allowing passengers to admire the fascinating ballet of the paddle wheels from the main deck. This innovation, first introduced on its sister ship, the "Vevey", offers passengers a unique mechanical spectacle: the hypnotic movement of the paddles churning the water, particularly striking during reverse maneuvers and the famous "lemonade" maneuver.

The telescopic chimney

Carbon fiber technological feat

Unlike historic steamships whose funnels must be dismantled to enter the dry dock, the "Italie" features a telescopic carbon fiber funnel manufactured by the Décision SA shipyard, the same one that built the Alinghi sailboats. This funnel, with its distinctive black and yellow proportions, can be lowered by 1,50 meters, allowing the boat to enter the covered hall without dismantling. A remarkable blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology.

The Empire style living room

Preserved elegance from the beginning of the century

The Empire-style mahogany and lemonwood (inlaid chestnut) first-class lounge, enhanced with chased bronze fittings, was rebuilt identically during the renovation using the carefully preserved original plans. Only the marquetry of the historic restaurant could be preserved, bearing witness to the refinement and elegance that characterized ships of that era.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The semi-circular openings

Aquatic ballet unveiled

The "Italie" is distinguished by its large, semicircular glass openings, installed during its 2015-2016 renovation, allowing passengers to admire the fascinating ballet of the paddle wheels from the main deck. This innovation, first introduced on its sister ship, the "Vevey", offers passengers a unique mechanical spectacle: the hypnotic movement of the paddles churning the water, particularly striking during reverse maneuvers and the famous "lemonade" maneuver.

The telescopic chimney

Carbon fiber technological feat

Unlike historic steamships whose funnels must be dismantled to enter the dry dock, the "Italie" features a telescopic carbon fiber funnel manufactured by the Décision SA shipyard, the same one that built the Alinghi sailboats. This funnel, with its distinctive black and yellow proportions, can be lowered by 1,50 meters, allowing the boat to enter the covered hall without dismantling. A remarkable blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology.

The Empire style living room

Preserved elegance from the beginning of the century

The Empire-style mahogany and lemonwood (inlaid chestnut) first-class lounge, enhanced with chased bronze fittings, was rebuilt identically during the renovation using the carefully preserved original plans. Only the marquetry of the historic restaurant could be preserved, bearing witness to the refinement and elegance that characterized ships of that era.

The revival of a heritage

A masterful reconstruction

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 10 and 15 million Swiss francs per boat for a complete renovation.

Between May 2015 and November 2016, the boat the "Italie" has benefited from a complete reconstruction combining identical heritage restoration and cutting-edge technological modernization.

Following a fundraising campaign led by the ABVL, which mobilized 20,000 donors and received crucial support from the Canton of Vaud, the 13,6 million Swiss franc financing was secured. Of the boat's 300 tons, only 70 tons were retained: 260 m² of sheet metal were replaced, representing 55% of the vessel. The original metal structure, the two paddle wheels, and the restaurant's marquetry were preserved, while everything else was modernized: a new, state-of-the-art diesel-electric propulsion system significantly reduces fuel consumption, a modern wheelhouse, an aluminum upper deck, and a complete reconstruction of the woodwork.

The main stages of the project were as follows: dry docking, near-total dismantling, exterior and interior sandblasting of the hull, manufacturing of the paddle wheel drums in Saint-Nazaire, reconstruction of the superstructures, and finally, installation of the new diesel-electric propulsion system. Under the supervision of the CGN and heritage experts, the Italie » has regained its original appearance while becoming one of the most modern boats in Switzerland, capable of sailing all year round.

Technological and heritage renaissance

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this renovation incorporates major technical improvements: a new, state-of-the-art diesel-electric propulsion system that significantly reduces fuel consumption, a telescopic carbon fiber funnel, an upgraded water treatment system, and structural reinforcement (55% of the original plating has been replaced). These interventions, invisible to passengers, guarantee the ship's longevity for decades to come while preserving its historical authenticity and enabling it to operate year-round, unlike steamships.

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