Participating in the restoration of the Belle Époque fleet
Your support is shaping history
Since 2002, ABVL has been committed to preserving the Belle Epoque fleet on Lake Geneva and has become the main partner of CGN. Thanks to our thousands of donors, for over twenty years, the eight boats have been able to be partially or fully renovated.
Your donations have notably enabled the rebirth of the flagship "La Suisse" in 2009 and the "Italie" in 2015-2016. Each franc directly finances the restorations, the maintenance of the century-old steam engines and the transmission of artisanal know-how.
Your generosity today ensures that these 20th-century marvels will continue sailing for the next hundred years.
ABVL is recognized as a public benefit organization and its Swiss donors can deduct their donations from their tax return within the limits of the tax legislation of their canton of residence.
Participating in the history of Lake Geneva
For over a century, paddle steamers have been the soul of Lake Geneva. Your support funds the restoration of this fleet, a listed historical monument, and ensures its continued navigation for future generations. Every donation counts. Join us in safeguarding this exceptional heritage!
In Swiss
Swiss Post – IBAN: CH61 0900 0000 1719 7675 0
In Switzerland or from abroad
In Swiss francs: UBS Account “ABVL” IBAN: CH 62 002432434589 5701 H
In euros: UBS-“ABVL” account IBAN: CH 68 0024 3243 4589 5761 K
In France
CIC Evian (Account in euros) – IBAN – FR76 1009 6182 2800 0869 2580 106 – BIC – CMCIFRPP
Other ways to support us
Beyond donations, other ways to support the ABVL are available. Whether through a purchase in our online shop or by making a bequest, every gesture contributes to the preservation of the Belle Époque fleet. Discover how your commitment can take different forms and have a lasting impact on this exceptional heritage.
Legacies and inheritances
By leaving a bequest or naming the ABVL as your heir, you extend the commitment to preserving the CGN's Belle Époque fleet beyond your lifetime. As a recognized public benefit organization, the ABVL enjoys a 100% tax exemption in the canton of Vaud and most Swiss cantons: your entire bequest is dedicated to safeguarding this heritage. Our brochure details the procedures and possible forms of will.
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A legacy that makes sense
Shop
Our online store offers a selection of exclusive products for all maritime heritage enthusiasts: reference books on the history of the Belle Époque fleet, illustrated diaries with the most beautiful photographs of the ships, souvenir items and original gifts.
Each purchase directly contributes to the funding of our restoration projects.
By purchasing or giving one of our products, you actively participate in the preservation of this exceptional heritage while taking away a piece of Lake Geneva history.
Testimonials from our donors
For over 20 years, thousands of people have contributed to saving these exceptional boats. Active members, occasional donors, or committed testators: everyone participates in their own way in this collective adventure.
Jean-Philippe Roux
After 40 years in the Lake Geneva region, I chose to include the ABVL in my will. These boats are part of our identity. Knowing that they will still be sailing in 100 years thanks to our actions today is a meaningful legacy.
Marc Dufresne
As a former marine mechanic, I appreciate the magnitude of the work accomplished by the ABVL. Restoring these steam engines requires exceptional expertise. My monthly donation is my way of preserving this unique technical heritage for my grandchildren.
Sophie Beaumont
A member of the ABVL since 2018, I am proud to contribute to the preservation of these floating wonders. Every voyage on " La Suisse This reminds me why this heritage fight is essential. Seeing the Rhône come back to life thanks to our collective donations is magical!
Catherine Lombard
I discovered ABVL during a cruise on the "Simplon" and was deeply moved by the volunteers' passion. Becoming a member was a natural step. Receiving the newsletter and following the progress of the renovations makes me feel like I'm part of a great collective adventure.
The latest renovations carried out
Between 2019 and 2021, the "Rhône" underwent a major general renovation after nearly fifty years without any large-scale intervention, with the exception of an overhaul of its steam engine in 2002-2003.
This complex restoration was necessary to guarantee the continued operation of this iconic boat built in 1927 and put into service during the Fête des Vignerons.
The project, with a total budget of 15,8 million francs, was financed mainly by the three Lake Geneva cantons – Vaud, Geneva and Valais – according to the principle of alternating between public and private funds.
ABVL contributed 3 million francs, demonstrating once again its essential role in preserving the Belle Époque fleet.
The work encompassed the entire vessel: complete hull overhaul, a general overhaul of its unique steam engine equipped with an automatic lubrication system, restoration of the lounges and decks, and modernization of the safety equipment, all while preserving its Belle Époque authenticity. More than 60,000 hours of work were required to restore the "Rhône" to its original splendor. The vessel is particularly distinguished by its largely open upper deck, an architectural feature that was slated to be retained during the renovation.
Now back in service, the "Rhône" continues to provide tourist connections on Lake Geneva, thus perpetuating more than a century of Lake Geneva's maritime history.