Yachting Art Magazine

One of the world’s most extraordinary historic fleets sails the waters of Lake Geneva. Between Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux, elegant paddle steamers have been keeping the golden age of lakeside tourism alive for over a century. Among them, the legendary Vevey, often nicknamed the ‘Old Boat’, embodies the history of Swiss navigation all on its own. Come aboard a living heritage that is unique in Europe.

There are ships that have spanned the centuries without losing their soul. On Lake Geneva, when the white silhouette of a Belle Époque steamboat appears against the backdrop of the Lavaux vineyards or the Alpine peaks, time seems to stand still. Here, the boat is not merely a means of transport: it is the journey itself. For over a century, these majestic vessels have linked the towns and villages around the lake, offering a unique experience where heritage, elegance and the art of living come together.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of passengers board the historic boats of Lake Geneva.

Why do we refer to the ‘Vieux Bateau’ of Vevey?

In Vevey, the term is used affectionately.

Commissioned at the start of the 20th century, the steamship Vevey is one of the oldest vessels still in service on Lake Geneva. Over the decades, it has become much more than a mere means of transport. Its elegance, longevity and attachment to the Vaud Riviera have earned it a special place in Swiss heritage.

Although it shares the waters of Lake Geneva with other prestigious historic vessels, the Vevey remains for many the perfect embodiment of the Belle Époque steamboat. Its arrival in the ports of Vevey, Montreux or Lausanne continues to inspire the same sense of wonder today as it did in the past.

The golden age of navigation on Lake Geneva

The history of Belle Époque boats is closely linked to the development of tourism in Switzerland in the late 19th century. At that time, the shores of Lake Geneva became one of the favourite destinations of the European aristocracy. Grand hotels sprang up, health resorts experienced spectacular growth, and shipping companies invested in ever more prestigious vessels.

Steamships thus became the true ambassadors of Lake Geneva. They carried travellers, artists, writers and royalty through an exceptional natural setting dominated by the Alps and terraced vineyards.

A fleet unique in the world

Lake Geneva is now home to one of the most remarkable collections of historic vessels still in service. Names such as La Suisse, Le Simplon, Le Rhône, Le Savoie, Le Montreux and Le Vevey alone evoke over a century of lake navigation.

Commissioned in 1907, the Vevey is one of the oldest boats still in service on Lake Geneva.

What makes this fleet exceptional is not only its age, but its ability to continue sailing. These century-old vessels remain fully operational and welcome hundreds of thousands of passengers every year. Few places in the world can boast such a concentration of historic boats still in commercial service.

Where do the Belle Époque boats sail?

The vessels sail across the whole of Lake Geneva, connecting the main towns on the Swiss and French shores of the lake. From Geneva to Montreux, via Lausanne, Vevey, Nyon, Évian-les-Bains, Thonon-les-Bains and Yvoire, they serve some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.

From the deck of a Belle Époque boat, passengers can discover the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vaud Alps, Chillon Castle and the elegant resorts that have made Lake Geneva’s international reputation.

Why are these boats so fascinating?

The fascination of the Belle Époque boats lies in their ability to bring a bygone era back to life.

The carved woodwork, historic salons, promenade decks and the peaceful rhythm of the journey create an atmosphere impossible to replicate on board a modern vessel.

The journey becomes an experience in itself. Passengers embark less to reach a destination than to savour a moment suspended between heritage, culture and contemplation.

The cruises and experiences on offer

Whilst the Belle Époque boats still operate regular services, they also offer a wide range of tourist experiences. Gastronomic cruises allow you to discover the specialities of the Lake Geneva region, whilst Sunday brunches and dinner cruises offer an original way to enjoy the lake’s scenery.

Private events, historical excursions and sunset crossings round off a particularly rich offering. Whichever option you choose, the spectacle remains the same: the Alps reflected in the waters of Lake Geneva as the boat continues its journey with timeless elegance.

How much does a cruise on Lake Geneva cost?

Prices vary depending on the route and services selected. Standard crossings remain affordable, whilst gourmet or themed cruises are aimed at a clientele seeking a more exclusive experience.

Beyond simply providing transport, every ticket contributes to the preservation of an exceptional heritage, the upkeep of which requires considerable resources.

Belle Époque boats in cinema and the Swiss imagination

For over a century, the Belle Époque boats of Lake Geneva have played a key role in shaping Switzerland’s elegant and romantic image. Their majestic silhouettes appear regularly in documentaries dedicated to Swiss heritage, as well as in several film and television productions shot on the shores of the lake.

The TV film Murder on Lake Geneva in particular used certain historic vessels from the Lake Geneva fleet as a filming location, whilst the landscapes of Lake Geneva have inspired such prestigious directors as Peter Ustinov in Lady L and Jean-Luc Godard in Nouvelle Vague. Long before them, right from the dawn of cinema, the Lumière brothers had already filmed one of the lake’s steamboats in the port of Évian. More than just a backdrop, these Belle Époque boats now embody one of the most iconic images of Lake Geneva, combining heritage, the art of living and the beauty of the Alpine landscapes in a setting that has become timeless.

A floating heritage preserved for future generations

Keeping century-old vessels in service is an ongoing challenge. For several decades, major restoration programmes have made it possible to preserve these exceptional witnesses to European maritime history.

Thanks to the work of engineers, mechanics, craftsmen and heritage specialists, these boats continue to sail today in conditions similar to those when they were first commissioned. They are one of the finest examples of living heritage in Europe.

What to take away from Lake Geneva’s Belle Époque boats

Far more than mere tourist vessels, the Belle Époque boats of Lake Geneva represent one of Switzerland’s greatest heritage achievements. Heirs to the golden age of lakeside tourism, they continue to link the shores of the lake whilst offering an experience unique in the world.

The Belle Époque fleet of Lake Geneva now constitutes the world’s largest collection of historic steamboats still in service.

From the legendary Vevey to the majestic steamers that ply Lake Geneva daily, these floating palaces serve as a reminder that, in certain eras, travel was as much about the art of living as it was about getting from A to B. More than a century after their launch, they continue to inspire passengers’ imaginations, to the slow rhythm of the paddle wheels and the Alpine landscapes that roll by along the shores of Switzerland’s most famous lake.