Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LATEST VERSION OF THIS WEBSITE IS NOW ONLY AVAILABLE AT : http://paddlesteamers.freehostia.com

Unfortunately the website became too large for its original internet location and had to be moved
This mainly text-only version represents the website as it was up until 1st July 2009 and does not include any more recent information or updates.
It includes some photographs which were included in earlier versions of this website. For the latest information and all the photos, click on the link above

The decision to retain steam operation was made in the 1960s at a time when, elsewhere in the world, paddlers were being rapidly withdrawn. Helvetie was converted to diesel-electric power when her boiler came up for renewal and joined three earlier conversions, whilst the remaining four steamers underwent refurbishment. A new share issue was made in 1998 to raise funds for further rebuilding, including, amazingly, the restoration of steam to the diesel paddlers. The first vessel to receive the new engines was Montreux, returned to service in 2001, but lack of funds put an end to the process, with Helvetie laid up after the 2002 season, with Italie following in December 2005. With overhauls required by three of the five remaining steamers in due course, the fate of two of the the three motor paddlers is now uncertain although there are no plans to scrap them. Whilst plans are now in place torenovate "Italie" for future service, "Helvetie" remains the main problem as considerable work is needed on her (including re-engining) and because of her large size, she is not suitable for any of the timetabled runs not taken by La Suisse and Simplon, the two other high-capacity paddlers in the fleet.
A number of new share subscriptions have been completed successfully in 2006 and have raised funds for the refurbishment of one steamer, La Suisse, one of the motor paddlers, Vevey, and to buy new "fast" ferries which CGN hope they can operate profitably, thus generating funds for further vessel overhauls. La Suisse will be out of service for the 2008 season and part of the 2009 season. Vevey will follow in 2010 and it is planned to attend to Italie after that.

New crew working-time directives have had a considerable effect on the timetable since 2006. No longer is it possible to do an end-to-end lake cruise (as was possible in 2005 with Both La Suisse and Italie). Now only La Suisse is running a long cruise, and only from Geneva to Vevey-Marche, with the French ports of Thonon and Evian now completely by-passed. Nevertheless, the CGN has reported the new timetable as an operational and financial success, with the introduction of modern small ferries contributing to this success.

Go to the website of CGN for Lake Geneva timetables, news etc or direct to the  Steamer Operations (Affectation des Bateaux) page for paddler rosters
Up to date information including special sailings (and future timetable plans when known) shown on John Bird's Swiss Steamer Timetables website.
The Annual Report & Accounts of the CGN are in the public domain and can be viewed/downloaded from the CGN website by following Compagnie / Structure

List of Paddle Steamers of the past from Guillaume Tell to Valais, the last vessel to be scrapped. Photos of Major Davel and Valais

LAKE GENEVA PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Go to the Photograph Collection : Please note that the return link takes you to the CGN company page from where you can follow the link back to this paddle steamer.

LOCAL PRESERVATION SOCIETIES

Association des Amis des Bateaux a Vapeur du Leman (ABVL): fund raising organisation for the preservation and restoration of the 8 Belle-Epoque paddlers
website

Association Patrimoine du Leman (APL) : covers the wider naval heritage of the lake - but very active in supporting the paddlers
website

INTERNET RESOURCES

Genfersee Raddampfer : Geschichte und Aktuell
Bateuaux Vapeurs à roues à aubes sur la Lac Leman : le passé et le présent