At a glance
Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.
The Belle Époque paddle steamers of Lake Geneva
The Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) operates what is often described as the most prestigious Belle Époque fleet in the world: eight historic boats built in the early 20th century, six of which still sail. Their steam engines, varnished wood, brass and painted salons are maintained by the crews during the winter.
From Ouchy, a crossing to Évian in France, a trip along the Lavaux terraces to Vevey and Montreux or a cruise to the Château de Chillon is one of the great classics of a stay in Lausanne.
Key dates
- 1873
Founding of the CGN.
- 1904–1927
Construction of the Belle Époque boats: Montreux, Vevey, Italie, La Suisse, Savoie, Simplon, Helvétie, Rhône.
- Today
Six boats in service, maintained as living heritage.
The Belle Époque fleet
The eight historic boats are the Montreux, Vevey, Italie, La Suisse, Savoie, Simplon, Helvétie and Rhône. They are not museum pieces: crews sail them every summer and restore them in the workshops in winter.
Their maximum speed has been reduced to about 23 km/h to save energy and preserve the machinery — all the better to enjoy the view.
Did you know?
Plan your visit
Getting there
- Metro m2 to Ouchy-Olympique, then 2 minutes on foot to the landing stage.
- Bus 2, stop Ouchy-Olympique.
Our tips
- Check on cgn.ch which crossings are run by a Belle Époque boat.
- Bring a passport or ID card for Évian (France).
- Sit on the deck facing Lavaux for the best views.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the boats leave from?
From the CGN landing stage at Ouchy, at the end of metro m2.
How many Belle Époque boats are there?
Eight historic boats, six of which are in service.
Do I need a passport for Évian?
Évian is in France: carry a valid ID card or passport.
Are Swiss travel passes valid?
Yes, the GA and the Swiss Travel Pass are valid on CGN boats (check conditions on cgn.ch).
When do the paddle steamers sail?
Mainly from spring to autumn; see the timetables on cgn.ch.
Official sources
VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.