Heritage & Know-how
A living legacy of over 100 years
The ships of Lake Geneva's Belle Époque fleet are not mere museum pieces frozen in time, but veritable floating monuments whose form and substance are entirely preserved. This exceptional heritage rests on the genius of the engineer Gunnar Hammershaimb, whose original plans continue to guide each restoration with surgical precision.
Maintaining these steel giants requires a goldsmith's expertise where modern innovation, such as the use of carbon fiber for chimneys, is combined with absolute respect for centuries-old traditions.
The art of authenticity
For nearly a century, the steamship "Rhône" sailed without its distinctive visual identity. In 1928, a collision broke its bowsprit, sending its original figurehead to the bottom of the lake. Thanks to restoration work funded by the ABVL between 2019 and 2021, this flagship of the fleet has regained its splendor. This majestic bronze head, depicting the god Rhône, was faithfully recreated by a specialized art foundry, illustrating our commitment to the complete preservation of each vessel's historical essence.
Technological genius
Maintaining a century-old heritage sometimes requires the use of futuristic technologies. For the ships "Vevey" and "Italie" revolutionary funnels designed by the Décision SA shipyard, experts behind the Alinghi sailing team's yachts, have been installed. Made of carbon fiber, these modern structures perfectly mimic the original steel while being telescopic. They can be lowered by 1,50 m, allowing the boats to pass through the dry dock gates for maintenance without requiring lengthy and complex dismantling.
Swiss heart engineering
The Belle Époque fleet was born from the collaboration between naval engineer Gunnar Hammershaimb, who drew up the plans for these eight ships, and the Sulzer brothers of Winterthur, undisputed masters of steam.
Together, they designed a "Compound" double-expansion technology, revolutionary for its time.
This technical know-how is kept alive by the mechanics who repressurize the boilers two hours before each departure, creating a hypnotic spectacle where the heat of the machines — climbing up to 200°C — animates the steel heart of the ships.
The steam cycle
At the heart of the ship, the steam engine transforms the energy (measured in temperature and pressure) of superheated steam into the rotation of paddle wheels. Thanks to its pistons sliding in the cylinders, the steam drives the wheel shaft via its connecting rods, much like a cyclist pushing and pulling on their pedals. Powered by the paddle wheels, the paddles are set in motion. By pushing water in one direction, they propel the ship in the opposite direction.
The ship's treasures
Each Belle Époque boat in the CGN fleet houses a unique heritage. From the woodwork to the metalwork details, from the lounges to the bow bells, every element bears witness to the refinement and know-how of its time. Restored in accordance with the original plans, these historical decorations give each ship its own identity and exceptional character.
Exceptional craftsmanship
Every detail of the Belle Époque fleet bears the mark of highly precise craftsmanship. Bronze bells, light fixtures, woodwork or marquetry: these elements are restored by hand by artisans mastering techniques that are now almost extinct.
The restorations supported by ABVL not only preserve the ships; they also help to pass on skills and techniques inherited from generation to generation. Each piece is recreated or restored based on historical plans in order to respect the identity and authenticity of the boats.
Thanks to this demanding work, the Belle Époque fleet retains all the richness of its heritage while perpetuating an exceptional level of craftsmanship.
Did you know ?
The enigma of the "duck's bottom"
This evocative term refers to the very distinctive rounded shape of the stern (rear) of ships designed by the engineer Gunnar Hammershaimb. More than just a sailor's expression, the " mixing bowl " is an architectural signature that allows ships to limit wakes and offer that fluid elegance on the water. For the crew, it is a daily landmark: they go to the "duck's bottom" for mooring maneuvers or to admire the ship's wake.
The memory of the Raftsmen
Formerly, the "raftsman", the boatman was a central and indispensable figure in lakeside life on Lake Geneva. These local boatmen provided the critical link between the mainland and the steamships, facilitating docking and the transfer of passengers and goods at a time when not all jetties were yet adapted for large vessels. The ABVL carefully preserves the memory of this now-vanished profession, a true testament to the historical social and technical organization that revolved around the lake.
Steam culture
One cannot talk about this fleet without mentioning the "Tabazu". This affectionate term refers to the mechanics enthusiasts who spend their entire journey peering through the glass windows of the engine rooms. Their fascination with the hypnotic dance of the connecting rods and the silence of the steam is the finest tribute paid to the industrial genius of Sulzer and Hammershaimb. Their constant presence testifies to the enduring fervor that has surrounded these floating monuments for over a century.
Support the Belle Époque naval heritage of Lake Geneva
The preservation of this unique world heritage depends on everyone's commitment. Whether it's restoring a piece of silverware or maintaining the operation of a century-old steam engine, every action contributes to the survival of this exceptional fleet.
By supporting the ABVL, you enable artisans to perpetuate rare skills and you guarantee that these historic monuments will continue to sail on Lake Geneva for future generations.