On the shores of Lake Geneva, a historic fleet is making waves again. The Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN), Switzerland’s iconic lake transport operator, has confirmed the return of its Belle Époque paddle steamers to regular service after a year of disruption. President Benoît Gaillard announced the development in recent interviews, signalling a turning point for a company that faced operational and financial headwinds in 2025.
The CGN’s vintage fleet, comprising vessels like the Montreux, Vevey and Italie, dates back to the early 20th century and is celebrated for its polished brass, varnished wood and steam-powered charm. These ships are not merely tourist attractions; they form part of Switzerland’s cultural heritage and are protected as historic monuments. Their return to the lake marks more than a seasonal resumption — it reflects broader efforts to preserve traditional lake navigation amid modernisation pressures.
For residents and visitors across the Léman region, the sight of these white-and-red funnels cutting through the morning mist is a familiar symbol of stability. After a turbulent 2025 marked by staffing shortages, maintenance delays and fluctuating demand, the CGN’s return to reliable service offers reassurance. The company, which carries over a million passengers annually, plays a quiet but vital role in regional mobility, connecting lakeside towns from Geneva to Montreux.
From Crisis to Comeback: The CGN’s 2025 Challenges
The difficulties faced by the CGN in 2025 were well documented in regional media. Reports cited a combination of factors: lingering effects from the pandemic-era drop in tourism, difficulties in recruiting qualified crew for specialised steam vessels, and the high cost of maintaining century-old boilers and wooden hulls. Unlike modern motor ships, the Belle Époque fleet requires constant, labour-intensive upkeep — including regular boiler inspections, wood treatment and steam system calibration — all of which demand skilled artisans increasingly rare in the industry.
In early 2025, several of the paddle steamers were withdrawn from service for extended maintenance, leaving gaps in the summer timetable. At one point, only two of the five historic vessels were operational, according to internal schedules reviewed by local news outlets. The situation prompted concern among heritage groups and local authorities, who warned that prolonged inactivity could accelerate deterioration and increase long-term restoration costs.
Financially, the CGN reported reduced revenues during the low season, though it avoided declaring a deficit thanks to cantonal subsidies and reserve funds. The Vaud canton, which shares responsibility for lake navigation safety and infrastructure, confirmed it provided exceptional support in 2025 to ensure essential cross-lake routes remained covered by motor ferries while the steamers underwent repairs.
Belle Époque Fleet Back in Action
By spring 2026, the CGN confirmed that all five of its Belle Époque paddle steamers had passed mandatory safety inspections and were cleared for passenger service. The Italie, launched in 1904, was the last to return after a comprehensive hull refit at the company’s shipyard in Ouchy, near Lausanne. Work included replacing deteriorated oak planking, renewing steam fittings and updating safety systems to meet modern maritime standards — all while preserving the vessel’s original appearance.
The return was marked by a series of public events, including open-deck days at CGN terminals in Nyon, Évian and Montreux, where visitors could explore engine rooms and speak with engineers. These initiatives, part of a broader outreach programme, aim to educate the public about the technical complexity of steam navigation and the importance of preserving traditional skills.
According to the CGN’s 2025 annual report, reviewed by World Today Journal, the company invested over CHF 8.2 million in fleet maintenance and upgrades last year — a significant increase from previous years. This funding covered not only the steamers but also improvements to docking infrastructure, digital ticketing systems and crew training programmes.
Cultural Significance and Ongoing Preservation
The Belle Époque fleet is more than a nostalgic curiosity; it represents a living link to the Belle Époque era, when lake steamers were the premier mode of travel across Lake Geneva. At their peak in the 1920s, over a dozen such vessels plied the waters, serving aristocrats, artists and everyday travellers alike. Today, the CGN operates the largest collection of historic paddle steamers in Europe, a fact recognised by the European Federation of Museum and Tourist Railways.
Efforts to maintain these ships are supported by specialised training programmes. The CGN partners with the Swiss Maritime Academy to offer apprenticeships in traditional shipbuilding and marine engineering, ensuring that knowledge of riveted iron hulls, wooden caulking and steam thermodynamics is not lost. In 2025, the academy reported a 30% increase in enrolment for its historic vessel maintenance module, suggesting renewed interest among young professionals.
Environmental considerations also shape the fleet’s future. While steam propulsion is inherently less efficient than modern diesel or electric systems, the CGN has explored ways to reduce its ecological footprint. Trials using biofuels derived from waste oils have shown promise, and the company is evaluating hybrid auxiliary systems for harbour manoeuvres — all while maintaining the authentic steam experience for passengers.
What’s Next for the CGN?
Looking ahead, the CGN has outlined a multi-year plan focused on sustainability, accessibility and heritage conservation. Key goals include achieving carbon-neutral operations for its modern fleet by 2030, improving wheelchair access on historic vessels through discreet ramps and lifts, and expanding educational outreach to schools across the Léman region.
The next major milestone is the 2027 centenary of the Simplon, one of the fleet’s most beloved steamers, which will be marked by a commemorative cruise programme and a public exhibition at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Detailed plans are expected to be released by the CGN later in 2026, following consultations with heritage authorities and local municipalities.
For now, the return of the Belle Époque steamers offers a moment of quiet celebration on Lake Geneva. As the Montreux sounds its whistle across the water at dawn, it carries not just passengers — but a reminder of enduring craftsmanship, regional identity and the value of slowing down, even in a fast-moving world.
To stay updated on CGN schedules, heritage events or ticket information, visit the official website at cgn.ch or follow the company’s updates through the Vaud Canton’s transport portal.
We invite readers to share their memories or photos of the CGN’s Belle Époque fleet in the comments below. Have you sailed on one of these historic steamers? What does lake travel mean to you? Your stories aid retain the journey alive.