Association des amis des bateaux à vapeur du Léman

The Association des amis des bateaux à vapeur du Léman (ABVL) is a Swiss non-profit association founded in 2002 with the mission of contributing to the safeguarding and continued scheduled operation of the eight Belle Époque paddle steamers of the Compagnie générale de navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) fleet. It is headquartered in Lausanne and is the main partner of the CGN for the preservation of this historic fleet. The ABVL raises funds through donations and membership, and holds 22% of CGN shares, giving it a direct stake in the company that operates the boats. The association's work focuses on financing major restorations of the Belle Époque vessels, which include Montreux (1904), Vevey (1907), Italie (1908), La Suisse (1910), Simplon, Savoie, Rhône, and Helvétie. Since 2002, thanks to donations, major restorations have been carried out. The ABVL has financed eight renovations of CGN steamships, including the Simplon after its boiler explosion, La Suisse, the Montreux, the Rhône, the Helvétie, the Savoie, the Vevey, and the Italie. In 2006, the Pro Vapore foundation was established to manage the funds collected by the ABVL. The association counts around 20,000 donors and nearly 4,000 active members as of 2018. It operates a shop selling Belle Époque-themed merchandise, including books, apparel, and souvenirs, to support its mission. In 2014, Europa Nostra, the European federation for cultural heritage, honored both the CGN and the ABVL for their actions to safeguard the historic Belle Époque fleet, selecting them among 27 laureates from 160 projects across 30 countries. The ABVL continues its essential mission of raising funds for the preservation and continued operation of this unique fleet, ensuring that these historic vessels sail for future generations. Recent news includes the return of La Suisse to service in 2028, with 1,100,000 francs needed, and the Naval Parade in Nyon on May 31, 2026.

The Association des amis des bateaux à vapeur du Léman (ABVL) was created in 2002 with the aim of contributing to the safeguarding and maintaining in scheduled service the eight Belle Époque paddle steamers of the Compagnie générale de navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) fleet. The association regularly organizes fundraising campaigns to achieve its goal. It holds 22% of the shares of CGN. In 2006, the Pro Vapore foundation was established to manage the funds collected by the ABVL. The ABVL has financed eight renovations of CGN steamships. In 2003, the ABVL raised 2 million Swiss francs out of the 4 million needed for the renovation of the Simplon following its boiler explosion accident. The renovation took place between 2003 and 2005, then between 2010 and 2011. Between 2007 and 2009, the boat La Suisse was renovated thanks to 12 million Swiss francs from the ABVL and 3 million from CGN shareholders. The ABVL financed the partial renovation of the first-class lounge of the Montreux in 2014-2015 and the replacement of its boiler superheater in 2016. In 2011, it financed the enhancement of the first-class lounge of the Rhône and the replacement of the metal covers of its steam engine with Plexiglas covers. In 2011-2012, it financed the partial renovation of the Helvétie: conservation hull cleaning, sandblasting of the hull and paddle wheels, limited renovation of the superstructures for the boat to house the "Olympic Museum ephemeral" in 2012 and 2013 at the Ouchy quay. In 2011-2012, it financed the general renovation of the original steam engine of the Savoie. In 2012-2013, it financed the installation of Belle Époque light fixtures on the Vevey as part of its general renovation. Between May 2015 and October 2016, the ABVL provided 10.6 million Swiss francs out of the 13.6 million needed for the complete renovation of the Italie. As of 2018, the association had 20,000 donors and nearly 4,000 active members. On March 20, 2014, the European federation for cultural heritage Europa Nostra honored the Compagnie générale de navigation and the Association des amis des bateaux à vapeur du Léman for their actions in favor of safeguarding the historic Belle Époque fleet. Out of 160 projects selected in 30 countries, they were among the 27 laureates of the 2014 edition. The ABVL continues its mission, with recent news including the return of La Suisse to service in 2028, requiring 1,100,000 francs, and the Naval Parade in Nyon on May 31, 2026.

• 2026

  Naval Parade returns to Nyon on May 31, 2026.

• 2018

  Association had 20,000 donors and nearly 4,000 active members.

• 2015

  Provided 10.6 million Swiss francs for the complete renovation of the Italie.

• 2014

  Europa Nostra honored CGN and ABVL for their actions to safeguard the Belle Époque fleet.

• 2012

  Financed installation of Belle Époque light fixtures on the Vevey.

• 2011

  Financed enhancement of the first-class lounge of the Rhône and replacement of metal covers of its steam engine with Plexiglas covers.

• 2011

  Financed partial renovation of the Helvétie and general renovation of the original steam engine of the Savoie.

• 2007

  La Suisse renovation begins, funded with 12 million Swiss francs from ABVL and 3 million from CGN shareholders.

• 2006

  Pro Vapore foundation established to manage funds collected by the ABVL.

• 2003

  Raised 2 million Swiss francs for the renovation of the Simplon after its boiler explosion.

• 2002

  Association founded.

• La Suisse scheduled to return to service, requiring 1,100,000 francs.

Non-profit heritage preservation association and key partner of CGN for the Belle Époque fleet.

• Donation programs

  Fundraising campaigns to support the restoration and operation of the Belle Époque fleet.

• ABVL Shop

  Online shop selling Belle Époque-themed merchandise, books, apparel, and souvenirs.

1. 1Together, let's preserve the Belle Époque treasures of Lake Geneva | ABVLabvl.ch
2. 2Treat yourself to a memorable souvenir at the ABVL shopabvl.ch
3. 3Association des amis des bateaux à vapeur du Lémanwikidata.org
4. 4Association des amis des bateaux à vapeur du Lémanfr.wikipedia.org