The Belle Époque fleet of Lake Geneva
What was the Belle Époque fleet?
The Belle Époque fleet on Lake Geneva comprises eight paddle steamers, built between 1904 and 1927 by the Sulzer Frères shipyard in Winterthur for the Compagnie Générale de Navigation. Designated as historical monuments of national importance in 2011, these vessels constitute the largest fleet of Belle Époque boats still in regular operation in the world. Their iconic silhouette, century-old steam engines, and period salons make them unique witnesses to an era when Lake Geneva was at the heart of European luxury tourism.
The golden age of Lake Geneva
At the end of the 19th century, the Lake Geneva basin experienced an unprecedented boom in tourism.
The arrival of the Swiss and French railways opened the region to wealthy travelers from all over Europe. Prestigious palaces, spa resorts and luxury vacation spots are flourishing on the shores of the lake. In this context of tourist euphoria, lake navigation is becoming a key element of regional attractiveness.
The Compagnie Générale de Navigation, created in 1873, responded to this growing demand by ordering ever larger, faster and more luxurious ships. This is the Belle Époque of Lake Geneva: the lake becomes a fashionable resort where sailing on a steamboat is a symbol of prestige and elegance.
The birth of a unique fleet
Between 1904 and 1927, eight exceptional steamships were launched from the Sulzer Frères shipyards in Winterthur, renowned for their expertise in shipbuilding and precision mechanics. The "Montreux" led the way in 1904, followed by the "Vevey" (1907), the "Italie" (1908) and the majestic "La Suisse" (1910), considered from its launch as the flagship.
The First World War interrupted this series, but by 1920, the "Simplon" was back in service, followed by the "Helvétie" (1926) and the "Rhône" (1927). These ships share a common signature: paddle wheels, original steam engines, salons with refined woodwork and open decks offering a panoramic view of the lake and the Alps.
Built to last, they embody the Swiss industrial know-how of their time and today represent a Lake Geneva heritage of inestimable value.
Belle Époque boats
Boat "La Suisse"
Flagship of the Belle Epoque fleet, hailed as the most beautiful steamship in the world!
Ship "Simplon"
The giant of the Belle Époque fleet, equipped with the most powerful steam engine in Europe!
Boat "Italie"
A legendary ship of the Belle Époque fleet, twin of the Vevey and a symbol of rebirth!
Boat "Vevey"
Undisputed champion of the Belle Époque fleet, the boat that has travelled the most kilometers on Lake Geneva!
Boat "Montreux"
The first Belle Époque boat to be re-steamed, the oldest in the fleet with the most modern engine!
Boat "Savoie"
A flagship of the Belle Époque fleet, renowned for its elegance and perfect harmony!
Boat "Rhône"
The last of the Swiss Belle Époque, guardian of a technical innovation unique in the world!
Boat "Helvétie"
Third great steamship of the Belle Époque fleet, originally equipped with the legendary three-cylinder engine, unique in the world!
Preserve the Belle Époque fleet
These eight exceptional ships continue to sail thanks to the commitment of thousands of donors. Since 2002, the ABVL has invested over 40 million Swiss francs in their restoration and maintenance. Today, the upkeep of this unique fleet and the restoration of the "Simplon" require your support. Every contribution helps finance essential work and ensures that these historic vessels will still be sailing in a hundred years.
An exceptional heritage
In 2011, the Belle Époque fleet was classified historical monument of national importance by the Canton of Vaud. It constitutes the only navigable lake heritage in Switzerland to benefit from this maximum protection status, guaranteeing its preservation for future generations.
This recognition was confirmed at the European level in 2014 with the Europa Nostra Award, a prestigious distinction awarded to only 27 winners out of 160 projects from 30 countries.
The European Union thus welcomes the exemplary nature of our action to safeguard cultural heritage.
These distinctions, from the Canton to Europe, confirm that these boats are much more than tourist attractions: they embody the lake, industrial and social history of the Lake Geneva region.