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1910

La Suisse

Flagship of the Belle Epoque fleet, hailed as the most beautiful steamship in the world!
Help renovate the boat La Suisse
Length
78.50 meters
Power
1030 kW
Capacity
850 people
Propulsion
Steam machine

Partial renovation of "La Suisse"

The ship has been out of service since June 2025 following the discovery of a crack in a support for the high-pressure cylinder of its steam engine. This crack is the result of significant wear and tear, as the ship has sailed for over 100 years and nearly 2 million kilometers.
Together, let's ensure that "La Suisse" continues to keep the heart of Lake Geneva beating for the next hundred years.
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet

Cylinder crack repair

Wear crack in a high-pressure cylinder support of his steam engine
CHF 500'000

Cylinder crack repair

Wear crack in a high-pressure cylinder support of his steam engine
CHF 500'000
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1908 - 1910

The genesis of the flagship

In 1908, the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) commissioned the Sulzer Frères shipyard in Winterthur to build a new vessel intended to be the largest and most elegant steamship in the country. This was the Belle Époque, a period marked by unwavering optimism. The CGN desired a ship symbolizing prestige and refinement: for the salon, they selected from five designs a lavish decor featuring sculpted ornaments, Aubusson carpets, and matching tapestries.
1911 - 1914

World War I

During the first few years, "La Suisse" regularly connects Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, and the ports of the Upper Lake. These luxurious cruises attract an international clientele eager to enjoy the Alpine panorama and the comfort of steam travel. When the First World War broke out in 1914, "La Suisse" remains neutral, but tourist traffic falls sharply. Ships continue to sail, albeit on a limited basis.
1915-1918

Wartime navigation

Fuel supplies are becoming more difficult, and many crews are being reassigned to other civilian duties. Despite these constraints, "La Suisse" maintains a symbolic presence on the lake, ensuring the link between the French-speaking and Valais shores, and recalling Swiss stability amidst the European chaos. The flagship bears witness to Swiss resilience during this conflict that is shaking Europe.
1919 - 1948

Between two wars

The 1920s and 1930s saw a gradual return to prosperity. "La Suisse" once again became the flagship of Lake Geneva cruises, welcoming tourists and dignitaries. Its prestige remained intact, and it still embodied the modernity of steam navigation. But in 1940, the Second World War brought tourist navigation to a sudden halt. As a measure of economy and safety, "La Suisse" is disarmed.
1948

Silence and rebirth

"La Suisse" remains immobilized in port. The Swiss authorities fear any incident on a border lake, and the CGN limits its activity to the bare minimum. It was only in 1948, after a complete overhaul and several years of inactivity, that "La Suisse" proudly resumes service, ready to reclaim Lake Geneva in a climate of renewed peace. The boat's rebirth symbolizes that of an entire region liberated from conflict.
1949 - 1960

Stability restored

During the following decades, "La Suisse" resumes its regular cruising schedule. Its elegance and reliability make it the symbol of travel on Lake Geneva, attracting both locals and foreign visitors. It sailed smoothly through the 1950s and 1960s, a period during which it remained one of the most admired ships in the country.
1960 - 1970

Technical transformations

The 1960s marked the beginning of significant technological modernizations. In 1960, the ship "La Suisse" abandoned coal in favor of heavy oil heating. However, the modifications made to the main and upper deck rotundas, deemed somewhat incongruous, slightly altered its original elegance. These compromises between modernity and heritage preservation sparked debate among the ship's admirers.
1971

New boiler

In 1971, a new, economical two-burner boiler was installed – still in service today – along with a new wheelhouse and a side entrance to the saloon, the style of which was not universally admired. This technical modernization nevertheless ensured the ship's continued service for decades to come. The compromise between operational efficiency and respect for the architectural heritage remains a subject of debate.
1975-1999

The Tour du Haut-Lac

From 1975 to 1999, the ship operated the Tour du Haut-Lac departing from Lausanne, before returning to its traditional routes. This period marked a remarkable adaptation of the flagship to the changing needs of Lake Geneva tourism. "La Suisse" demonstrates its versatility by serving different lines with the same elegance, perpetuating its prestigious mission across the entire lake, from the Geneva shores to the Valais ports.
1999

Energy Efficiency

In 1999, the ship switched to light oil heating, marking a step towards greater energy efficiency. This modernization reduced fuel consumption while preserving the exceptional performance of the century-old steam engine. It represents a perfect balance between respecting mechanical tradition and adapting to contemporary environmental requirements. The original steam propulsion remains the beating heart of the vessel.
2003

Renovating without altering the past

In 2003, a partial upgrade of the electrical systems further modernized the entire complex. That same year, thanks to the efforts of the Lake Geneva Heritage Association and the support of generous foundations, "La Suisse" has regained its figureheads and stern, as well as its historic intervention boat. Despite these transformations, the ship retains its privileged status: its steam propulsion and its very existence have never been called into question.
2007 - 2009

The rebirth of a monument

Between 2007 and 2009, the ship "La Suisse" has undergone a major renovation, the largest ever undertaken for a historic vessel in Europe. The ABVL raised 12 million francs, supplemented by 3 million francs subscribed by CGN shareholders. This restoration has restored the ship to its original prestige while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
2010 - today

Heritage and prestige

Since its restoration, "La Suisse" continues to sail majestically, perpetuating more than a century of history and expertise. Today, it embodies the cultural heritage of Lake Geneva, admired as much for its beauty as for the continuity of its service since 1910. "La Suisse" remains, more than ever, the flagship of the CGN and a shining testament to an era when travel was an art. A floating jewel transmitting the memory of Lake Geneva to new generations.

"La Suisse", the Admiral of Lake Geneva

A true jewel of the Belle Époque fleet, "La Suisse" was launched in 1910, at the height of an era of elegance and optimism. Commissioned from the Sulzer workshops to become the largest and most refined steamboat in the country, it embodies, through its salon adorned with sumptuous woodwork and tapestries, as much as through its legendary steam engine, the prestige of Lake Geneva navigation. After having survived a century of history—wars, modernizations, and a masterful restoration between 2007 and 2009—"La Suisse" continues to sail majestically, a living witness to the heritage of Lake Geneva and the art of travel of yesteryear. Classified as a "Historical Monument" since 2011, this flagship fascinates with its exceptional details.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The sculpted figures

Jewels of naval decorative art

"La Suisse" is distinguished by its figurehead and stern ornaments carved in wood and entirely covered in gold leaf, true masterpieces of Belle Époque craftsmanship. These sumptuous ornaments, inspired by 20th-century decorative art, testify to the aesthetic ambition of the CGN, which wanted to create the most beautiful steamship in Europe.

The original steam engine

Centenarian beating heart

Beneath the elegant bridges of "La Suisse" beats the most powerful mechanical heart of the Belle Époque fleet: a 1030 kW steam engine developing 1400 horsepower. This exceptional machine, built by Sulzer Frères in 1909, still operates today according to the same principles as on the first day.

Visual signature

A boat for the flagship

A distinctive feature par excellence, the lifeboat installed at the stern constitutes a visual signature of "La Suisse". It was rebuilt as closely as possible to the original model.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The sculpted figures

Jewels of naval decorative art

"La Suisse" is distinguished by its figurehead and stern ornaments carved in wood and entirely covered in gold leaf, true masterpieces of Belle Époque craftsmanship. These sumptuous ornaments, inspired by 20th-century decorative art, testify to the aesthetic ambition of the CGN, which wanted to create the most beautiful steamship in Europe.

The original steam engine

Centenarian beating heart

Beneath the elegant bridges of "La Suisse" beats the most powerful mechanical heart of the Belle Époque fleet: a 1030 kW steam engine developing 1400 horsepower. This exceptional machine, built by Sulzer Frères in 1909, still operates today according to the same principles as on the first day.

Visual signature

A boat for the flagship

A distinctive feature par excellence, the lifeboat installed at the stern constitutes a visual signature of "La Suisse". It was rebuilt as closely as possible to the original model.

The revival of a heritage

The latest major renovation

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.

Between November 2007 and April 2009, the boat "La Suisse" has benefited from a complete restoration combining respect for its heritage authenticity and technical modernization.

After a meticulous analysis of the corroded areas, only 15% of the original plating was replaced. The renovation included the refurbishment of the steam engine and boiler, the installation of a proper water treatment plant, and improved maneuverability through the addition of bow thrusters. Under the supervision of the Lake Geneva Heritage Association and the cantonal authorities, "La Suisse" has rediscovered its historical elements such as its figureheads and its intervention boat, combining artisanal know-how and modern technologies.

The main stages of the project were as follows: dry docking, dismantling of interior furniture, dismantling of decks, exterior and interior sandblasting of the hull, boiler retubing, finishing work and finally installation of the fixed tent.

Technical and Heritage Modernizations

Beyond the aesthetic aspect, this renovation incorporates major technical improvements: installation of bow thrusters for better maneuverability, modernization of the water treatment system, and structural reinforcement (15% of the original plating replaced). These interventions, invisible to passengers, guarantee the ship's longevity for decades to come while preserving its historical authenticity.

Cylinder crack repair

Wear crack in a high-pressure cylinder support of his steam engine
CHF 500'000

Cylinder crack repair

Wear crack in a high-pressure cylinder support of his steam engine
CHF 500'000
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