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1914

Savoie

A flagship of the Belle Époque fleet, renowned for its elegance and perfect harmony!
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
Length
68 meters
Power
660 kW
Capacity
600 people
Propulsion
Steam machine
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1912 - 1914

The genesis

In 1912, the CGN ordered the "Valais" and the from Sulzer "Savoie", twin ships with 1100 seats. They are part of a unique series of nine lounge boats created over sixteen years. Inspired by the flagship "La Suisse", they support the growth of tourism in the Lake Geneva region. Savoie It entered service in 1914, just before the First World War.
1914 - 1924

The beginnings on the Upper Lake

Based in Le Bouveret, the "Savoie" is assigned to "express services" connecting Port-Valais and Geneva via the "Savoie" for twelve years. Of medium size, it is renowned for its harmonious elegance and considered a flagship of the Belle Époque fleet. In 1924, the first major technical intervention: replacement of the boiler tubes after ten years of intensive navigation.
1928 - 1950

Gradual modernizations

In 1928, a metal roof and glazing were installed on the upper deck, providing greater comfort in all weather conditions. The ship continued its service on the busiest routes. In 1950, the first-class lounge was refurbished. During these decades, the "Savoie" establishes itself as a key player in Lake Geneva navigation.
1950 - 1963

The last few years before the shutdown

The "Savoie" continued its service regularly, but the original boilers were showing signs of advanced wear. After 49 seasons of intensive navigation, the equipment inevitably aged. The boat was taken out of service in 1963 due to the critical condition of its boilers. Its future seemed uncertain, at a time when the CGN was motorizing or decommissioning several steamships. The "Valais", its sister ship, had already met this unfortunate fate.
1966 - 1967

The rescue of steam

The "Savoie" made history by halting the decline of steam propulsion. In 1966, the CGN decided to equip it with two new boilers and retain its original engine, rather than motorizing it like the "Valais" and the Général-Dufour. This was the first major renovation of a steamship without a change in propulsion. The work included switching from coal to heating oil, demolishing the smokehouses on the upper deck, replacing the wheelhouse, installing electro-hydraulic rudder control, and a new 220-volt electrical system.
2003 - 2004

The choice of cantons

In 2003, the governments of the three riverside cantons decided to finance a new general renovation of the "Savoie". The success of the "Montreux" cruise departing from Lausanne demonstrates the opportunity to offer a similar concept of gourmet cruises departing from Geneva. Savoie is chosen to embody this new offering, combining refined gastronomy and the charm of steam navigation.
2004 - 2006

The rebirth of a monument

After 18 months of restoration costing CHF 10,2 million, only 50% of the structure and the original steam engine were preserved. Everything else was completely rebuilt. The work restored the original heritage appearance: the first-class lounge in its original configuration, the wheelhouse rebuilt, and the wrought-iron ornaments reinstated. The major innovation: the replacement of the two boilers with a single, ultra-efficient, modern boiler. "Savoie" also became the first historic Swiss boat equipped with a bow thruster, revolutionizing maneuverability.
2006 - Today

Heritage and prestige

Since its restoration, the "Savoie" provides gourmet cruises departing from Geneva, perpetuating over a century of history. A symbol of the elegance and harmony of the Belle Époque, it embodies the art of reconciling tradition and modernity. Classified as a Historical Monument in 2011 along with the entire fleet, the "Savoie" testifies to the continued commitment of the CGN and the ABVL. In 2025, temporarily withdrawn for hull repairs, it should return to service in the second half of the year, continuing its role as an ambassador of Lake Geneva's heritage.

"Savoie", a jewel of elegance on Lake Geneva

A true flagship of the Belle Époque fleet, the "Savoie" was launched in 1914, at the twilight of an era of elegance and refinement. Commissioned in 1912 from the Sulzer workshops along with its twin, the "Valais", it was inspired by the great flagship "La Suisse" while adopting medium dimensions. After having gone through a century of history — halted in 1963, revived in 1967, and completely restored between 2004 and 2006 — the "Savoie" continues to sail gracefully. Classified as a historical monument since 2011, this steamer fascinates with its timeless elegance and its unique boiler, the most economical in the entire fleet.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

Visual signature

Unique ornaments in wrought iron and repoussé metal

Unlike all the other Belle Époque boats on Lake Geneva adorned with gilded wood carvings, the "Savoie" is the only one to display prow and stern ornaments in wrought iron and repoussé metal — a first and unique occurrence on the lake. Having disappeared after 1939, these ornaments were recreated identically in 2006 by the Lucerne craftsman Gabriel Schenkel, based on plans drawn up by the marine sculptor Emmanuel Bourgeau from old photographs.

The last of the twins

Memories of a vanished pair

The "Savoie" carries within it a touching story: it is the last survivor of a pair of twins. Ordered simultaneously in 1912 from Sulzer Frères in Winterthur, the "Valais" (1913) and the "Savoie" (1914) were designed to sail side-by-side on Lake Geneva. While its twin, the "Valais", was demolished in the 1960s, the "Savoie" continues to sail proudly, the sole witness of this vanished family. This peculiarity makes the "Savoie" a boat imbued with a particular memorial dimension, the last representative of a bygone era.

Living room flame

The brass torchères in the first-class lounge

Placed on their wooden pedestals, the polished brass torchères in the first-class lounge embody the elegance of the "Savoie". Their frosted glass globes, sculpted in the shape of a flame, diffuse a warm, soft light onto the surrounding woodwork and marquetry. Faithfully restored during the 2004-2006 renovation, they interact with the panels adorned with musical instrument motifs and the period striped banquettes, creating the intimate and refined atmosphere that makes the "Savoie" a jewel of the Belle Époque fleet.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

Visual signature

Unique ornaments in wrought iron and repoussé metal

Unlike all the other Belle Époque boats on Lake Geneva adorned with gilded wood carvings, the "Savoie" is the only one to display prow and stern ornaments in wrought iron and repoussé metal — a first and unique occurrence on the lake. Having disappeared after 1939, these ornaments were recreated identically in 2006 by the Lucerne craftsman Gabriel Schenkel, based on plans drawn up by the marine sculptor Emmanuel Bourgeau from old photographs.

The last of the twins

Memories of a vanished pair

The "Savoie" carries within it a touching story: it is the last survivor of a pair of twins. Ordered simultaneously in 1912 from Sulzer Frères in Winterthur, the "Valais" (1913) and the "Savoie" (1914) were designed to sail side-by-side on Lake Geneva. While its twin, the "Valais", was demolished in the 1960s, the "Savoie" continues to sail proudly, the sole witness of this vanished family. This peculiarity makes the "Savoie" a boat imbued with a particular memorial dimension, the last representative of a bygone era.

Living room flame

The brass torchères in the first-class lounge

Placed on their wooden pedestals, the polished brass torchères in the first-class lounge embody the elegance of the "Savoie". Their frosted glass globes, sculpted in the shape of a flame, diffuse a warm, soft light onto the surrounding woodwork and marquetry. Faithfully restored during the 2004-2006 renovation, they interact with the panels adorned with musical instrument motifs and the period striped banquettes, creating the intimate and refined atmosphere that makes the "Savoie" a jewel of the Belle Époque fleet.

The revival of a heritage

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

Between 2004 and 2006, the boat "Savoie" has benefited from a complete restoration combining respect for its heritage authenticity and technical modernization, for a budget of CHF 10,2 million financed by the three riverside cantons.

After 18 months of meticulous work, only 50% of the original structure and the steam engine were preserved. The renovation included rebuilding the wheelhouse in its original configuration, replacing the two 1967 boilers with a single, ultra-efficient boiler, restoring the historic first-class lounge, relocating the galley to its original position, and installing a revolutionary bow thruster. Under the supervision of the Lake Geneva Heritage Association and the cantonal authorities, the "Savoie" has regained its former elegance, combining artisanal know-how and modern technologies.

The main stages of the project were as follows: dry docking, dismantling of interior furniture, exterior and interior sandblasting of the hull, replacement of the boiler, restoration of the wrought iron ornaments at the bow and stern, finishing work and installation of the pioneer bow thruster.

Technical renovation and respect for heritage

Beyond aesthetics, the 2004-2006 renovation incorporated major technical improvements: installation of a pioneering bow thruster for enhanced maneuverability, replacement of the two boilers with a single, high-performance boiler, modernization of the water treatment system, and structural reinforcement (50% of the original structure was replaced). These interventions, invisible to passengers, guarantee the ship's longevity for decades to come while preserving its historical authenticity.

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