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Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman
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This page shows images of the Lac Léman fleet of CGN
(Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman) in 2011.
Only four paddle steamers operated for much of the peak 2011
season since Montreux was out of service with
superheater problems. Steamers in service were Simplon
and Savoie based at Geneva and La Suisse and
Rhône at Lausanne-Ouchy.
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CGN Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman - Une
Histoire
by Maurice Decoppet & Jacques
Straesslé
La Bibliothèque des Arts 2007
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Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman
All images link to larger
copies which will open in a new window/tab
Montreux was built in 1904 by Sulzer
Brothers of Winterthur. She is 60 metres long and was fitted with a
2-cylinder compound engine of 1000hp, built by Sulzer. In 1962 she was
fitted with an 8-cylinder diesel-electric installation of 1100hp, following
boiler problems from 1958. She returned to service with a small white
motorship funnel. In the winter of 1978-79, Montreux received major
hull and superstructure repairs. In 1986, she reverted to a more traditional
funnel, although it remained white. The diesel engine and generator
equipment received a major service in 1989. In 2001 Montreux
received a new 2-cylinder simple engine, and her accommodation was
substantially rebuilt, incorporating the dining saloon panelling of the Valais, which had acted as a restaurant ship at Geneva since 1966 (Valais
was then scrapped in 2003). The rebuilt accommodation is to a luxurious
standard, and Montreux initially ran fairly limited "gastronomic
cruises" in association with the Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel in Ouchy. However,
the unavailability of two major units of the fleet in 2004 (Savoie
being rebuilt, and Simplon (3) receiving repairs following her
boiler explosion), required that Montreux also took the afternoon
Tour du Haut-Lac in the peak season, which leaves Ouchy at 14:15hrs for
Evian, St Gingolph, Montreux and Vevey, returning to Ouchy at 18:10hrs. This
was preceded by a lunch cruise to Evian between 12:30hrs and 13:55hrs. In
the evenings she operated an evening dinner cruise to Yvoire via Morges and
Rolle at 18:35hrs, returning at 22:07hrs. She connects at Yvoire with the
evening cruise from Geneva, run by Vevey in 2005, providing the possibility
of late journeys between Geneva and Lausanne (or vice versa). Her itinerary
(but with less frequent evening cruises) had previously been carried out for
many years by the La Suisse (2).
In 2006, Montreux adjusted her schedule to
run four cruises daily (711/712, 1201/1202, 1202/211 & 403/404) retaining
the lunch cruise to Evian (Ouchy dep: 12:30) and the evening Croisière
Gastronomique to Yvoire (Ouchy dep: 18:25). The afternoon Tour du Haut-Lac
has been replaced by a short Belles Rives Lausannoises cruise to Morges
(Ouchy dep: 14:05) and a Riviera Express cruise to Villeneuve (Ouchy dep:
15:25) calling just at Montreux outwards and Chillon and Montreux inwards.
The introduction of these express runs is a new feature for 2006, others
being run by Rhône (3), although Helvétie (2) ran similar
express trips along the whole length of the lake in the 1960s.
During the peak season of 2011,
Montreux was
scheduled to run a lunch cruise to Evian, followed by an afternoon cruise to
Chillon and an evening Croisière Gastronomique to Rolle. The of the evening
cruises from Lausanne and Geneva short of Yvoire is a great pity since the
late connections between the two cities were extremely useful.
Paddle steamer Montreux laid up at Ouchy
with superheater problems
She is not expected to return to service until September
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer Montreux laid up at Ouchy
with superheater problems Photo: @ Ian
Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer Montreux laid up at Ouchy
with superheater problems Photo: @ Ian
Boyle, 22nd July 2011
La Suisse (2) was the first of the trio
of 70 metre steamers built for Lake Geneva. She was delivered in 1910,
and carries 1200 passengers. She was always easily identifiable from the
later giants, Simplon (3) and Helvétie (2), by having
her boiler ahead of the paddlewheels. Adjusting the boiler's position on
the later steamers provided a more spacious internal layout, allowing
more passengers to be carried. For many years La Suisse (2) had
been used on the Ouchy-based lunchtime cruise to Evian and the afternoon
Tour du Haut-Lac, both taken by the Montreux in 2005. In more
recent years, La Suisse (2) returned to the early morning
departure from Geneva to St Gingolph and back, a round trip of nearly 12
hours. This was called the "Rhône Express". 2005 was the last year of
this service along the complete length of Lake Geneva.
In 2006
La Suisse left Geneva Mont-Blanc
at 10:00hrs, and proceeds only as far as Vevey, returning the Geneva
Mont-Blanc at 19:35hrs (100/907). She no longer visits Evian, following
the Swiss shore throughout apart from a deviation to Nernier and Yvoire
both ways. At the end of the 2007 season, La Suisse was
withdrawn for major overhaul, and did not sail in 2008.
She returned from overhaul in magnificent condition, possibly the finest
steam ship still sailing. In 2011 she ran three circular trips each day
from Lausanne, running direct to St Gingolph and then back to Lausanne
via the Lavaux shore. For much of the summer season she also ran an
evening gourmet cruise on Tuesday-Saturday, deputising for the failed
Montreux
Paddle steamer La Suisse
at Ouchy after
failing due to 'very minor problems'
She missed her three Haut Lac Express circuits but ran her evening
cruise.
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle vessels Italie, Montreux
and
La Suisse at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
returning to
service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
returning to
service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
returning to
service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
returning to
service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Paddle steamer La Suisse
approaching the
pier at Ouchy before the day's first Haut Lac Express circuit
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
On board La Suisse as
the sun briefly appeared
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
On board La Suisse as
the sun briefly appeared
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
The 1st class saloon on La Suisse
beautifully restored in 2009
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Savoie was delivered in 1914, a sister to
Valais delivered the previous year. She was a 60 metre steamer,
carrying 1100 passengers (later 1000) and powered by a 2-cylinder compound
engine of 900hp. Savoie's speed was 27.5 kph. Her boilers were
re-tubed in 1924, and she then reopened the daily Bouveret-Geneva-Bouveret
return which had not run since the start of the First War. At the end of the
1962 season, Savoie was withdrawn requiring a new boiler. For many
years previous to this, steamers had been rebuilt with diesel-electric
installations when major boiler work was necessary. Work started in 1966 to
replace the boilers, and she returned to service for the 1967 season. Many
other changes were made, including repositioning the kitchen, and
rearranging the restaurant to include a bar area, which was typically 1960s
in style. It was hideous. She received a new, modern wheelhouse, the design
of which was repeated on many other units in the fleet, to the detriment of
their appearance. Her two main ventilators were repositioned much closer
together. The small first class smoking room ("la rotonde") was opened out
into main first class saloon, and a central exit door added to access the
open upper foredeck.
Savoie received radar in 1980, and the first class areas were
refurbished in 1984. Between 1985 and 1989, her engines were completely
rebuilt. Plans to restore her restaurant to its original state were dropped
for financial reasons. The ugly modern wheelhouse was replaced in 1990, by
one of very similar appearance. In 1995, Savoie received further
modifications, including a new funnel. The two main ventilators were moved
apart again, and "la rotonde" was reinstated, separate access doors on each
side replacing the central door added in 1967. In 2004, work began on a full
restoration, paid for by the cantons of Vaud, Valais and Geneva. She was
originally due to return to service in 2005, but I believe the emergency
work to Simplon has delayed this until 2006. The intention was that
she would take on the midday cruise, afternoon tour de petit-lac, and
evening cruise, run in 2004 from Geneva by Vevey (or Lausanne
in the peak season from mid-July to mid-August).
Savoie did not sail in 2005, since she was undergoing major
reconstruction work. She completed her substantial rebuild in 2006 and
re-entered daily service in 2006. It was a far more extensive update than
Simplon received the previous year, and Savoie returned as
a virtually new ship, along the lines of the rebuild given to the
Montreux. She took over the Geneva cruise roster run previously by
Vevey in 2005, and by Simplon in May/June 2006. This consists
of a lunch cruise (320/321) at 12:20hrs (return 14:00hrs), a return cruise
to Yvoire between 14:15hrs-17:55hrs (310/311), and the evening Croisière
Gastronomique (340/305), again to Yvoire (where a connection was made with
Montreux, allowing evening trips to be made between Geneva and
Ouchy or return). All cruises leave from Geneva Jardin Anglais. In 2011, the
evening cruise had been cut back to Nyon, ceasing the valuable evening
connection at Yvoire.
Paddle steamer Savoie
arriving at Nyon with Rhône following
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Paddle steamer Savoie
arriving at Nyon with Rhône following
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Paddle steamer Savoie
leaving Yvoire on her afternoon return to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Paddle steamer Savoie
at Geneva prior to her day's services
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle steamer Savoie
arriving at Nyon from Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Savoie
arriving at Nyon from Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Savoie
leaving Nyon for Yvoire
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Simplon (3), the largest working paddle steamer
on the Swiss lakes. Completed in 1920, although started before the First
War, she is 70m long and could originally carry 1500 passengers. A 1400hp
2-Cylinder compound steam engine can drive her at 29.5kph. For many years
she has mainly been used as reserve ship, based at Lausanne-Ouchy, but saw
greater use whilst the diesel paddler Montreux was rebuilt with new
steam engines. In August 2003, she suffered an engine room pipe burst, but
returned to service in July 2005, running opposite Rhône (3) in the
peak summer on the two-day roster.
Until the Savoie returned in July 2005,
Simplon took Savoie's three daily cruises (320/321, 310/311, 340/305). She then took
up her main summer roster of a single return (101/304) from Lausanne-Ouchy
(dep: 10:35hrs) to Geneva via the Swiss shore (ie: missing Evian), apart
from a diversion to Yvoire and Nernier. On reaching Yvoire on her return
leg, she does an extra ferry return back Nyon (882/886 returning traffic
from Yvoire to Nyon is very heavy at this time). She then proceeds again for
Ouchy arriving at 19:25hrs. This trip effectively replaces part of Italie's
marathon daily journey of previous years, her Le Bouveret-Ouchy section not
being covered by other units.
In 2011 Simplon was based at Geneva and ran a return to Ouchy plus
an Ouchy-Evian-Ouchy return.
Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and
Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011
Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and
Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25nd July 2011
Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and
Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25nd July 2011
Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and
Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25nd July 2011
Rhône was built in 1927, the last paddle
steamer built for CGN. Her 2-cylinder compound engine has
hydraulically-driven valves and an automatic lubrication system which
requires enclosed cranks. The covers were replaced by transparent Perspex in
2011. The lack of valve gear eccentrics looks very odd.
She previously worked the daily Geneva-St Gingolph-Geneva service opposite
Italie, but now works one of the two-day rosters with Henry
Dunant or, in peak season, with Vevey. This requires overnight
stops in either Ouchy and Geneva, running alternately Geneva-Ouchy-St
Gingolph-Ouchy, then Ouchy-St Gingolph-Ouchy-Geneva. In 2011 she ran a
return from Ouchy to Geneva followed by an evening return to Thonon.
Paddle steamer Rhône
reversing from Ouchy in stormy conditions.
She was due to run an evening return to Thonon, but was substituted by
Henry Dunant
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
reversing from Ouchy in stormy conditions.
She was due to run an evening return to Thonon, but was substituted by
Henry Dunant
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
arriving at Nyon from Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
25th July 2011
Paddle steamer Rhône
arriving back at Ouchy after her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
25th July 2011
Genève (1) was the first of the Sulzer Brothers
Belle Époque steamers, delivered in 1896, acting as prototype for all the
following CGN paddle steamers. She was ordered for the express service,
working opposite Mont Blanc (later La Suisse (1) and
Evian). Genève was the scene of the death of Elisabeth of
Bavaria ('Sissi') on the 10th September 1898. The wounded Empress, who had
been stabbed ashore, boarded the ship, where her condition was seen to be
life-threatening, and Genève turned around to return her to the
Hôtel Beau-Rivage, where she died shortly afterwards. On the 3rd May 1928,
near Pully, Genève collided with the Rhône. The left
anchor of Genève became entangled into the rigging of the Rhône,
breaking her bowsprit and her figurehead, and snapping the top of the
fore-mast. A passenger was killed by a falling piece of the fore-mast.
Genève was the first large CGN vessel to be dieselised, receiving
twin diesels and electric generator/motor machinery in 1933-34. This proved
to be very successful and was used in five subsequent conversions using just
a single diesel (except for the larger Helvétie which again had two).
Genève was withdrawn prior to the delivery of Chablais in
1973, but remains in existence at Geneva as a centre for the socially
disadvantaged and a cafe/restaurant. She used to run to Ouchy under her own
power occasionally for hull inspections, but I do not know if this is still
possible. Following the demolition of the Major Davel, Genève
is the oldest surviving steam paddle steamer of CGN.
Paddle vessel Genève
moored at Geneva along with the laid up Vevey
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Paddle vessel Genève
moored at Geneva along with the laid up Vevey
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Vevey and sistership Italie were
built in 1907 and 1908. They are 60 metre steamers which were fitted with
diesel-electric installations in 1955 and 1958, subsequently proving to be
very economical units in the fleet. Vevey ran the Ouchy-Evian ferry
service for much of the year until replaced by Léman (5) in 1991.
On this service she maintained two crews and operated for about 20 hours
each day. Sister Italie had long been associated with the daily
return from Le Bouveret to Geneva and back, taking almost 12 hours. This was
later named the "Rhône Express". Italie was withdrawn from this
service in 2005 and laid up, requiring a new diesel engine/generator/motor
set. Vevey was withdrawn in September 2010 and money has been
allocated for her rebuilding. She is laid up at Geneva due to lack of space
at Ouchy. It is also hoped to rebuild Italie, but this must be
funded by public donations.
Paddle vessel Vevey
laid up at Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle vessel Vevey
laid up at Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Vevey and sistership Italie were
built in 1907 and 1908. They are 60 metre steamers which were fitted with
diesel-electric installations in 1955 and 1958, subsequently proving to be
very economical units in the fleet. Vevey ran the Ouchy-Evian ferry
service for much of the year until replaced by Léman (5) in 1991.
On this service she maintained two crews and operated for about 20 hours
each day. Sister Italie had long been associated with the daily
return from Le Bouveret to Geneva and back, taking almost 12 hours. This was
later named the "Rhône Express". Italie was withdrawn from this
service in 2005 and laid up, requiring a new diesel engine/generator/motor
set. Vevey was withdrawn in September 2010 and money has been
allocated for her rebuilding. She is laid up at Geneva due to lack of space
at Ouchy. It is also hoped to rebuild Italie, but this must be
funded by public donations.
Paddle vessel Italie
laid up at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Paddle vessel Italie
laid up at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Helvétie (2) was built in 1926, the last of
Lake Geneva's trio of 70 metre steamers. In 2004, Helvétie (2) was
laid up at Lausanne-Ouchy awaiting a decision on replacement of her twin
diesel engines, which had been removed from the Danube paddle tug Goliath.
Unlike the other diesel-electric conversions by CGN, this arrangement was
not a success. Initially used after conversion on the daily Geneva-St
Gingolph-Geneva run, she was soon consigned to use on evening dinner cruises
from Geneva to Yvoire a couple of times a week. Unlike the other
conversions, noise and vibration are considerable at speed, although she did
seem to be extremely fast when required to make up for delays. Her original
steam engines are located in a museum at Nyon, and there were suggestions
that they might be restored to her, although this now seems most unlikely.
She received protected historic status from the canton of Vaud in 2011 and
had been moved to the enclosed repair dock for superficial restoration for
use as a floating museum by July 2011, as shown below.
Paddle vessel Helvétie (2)
in the
enclosed dock at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Col-Vert was built in 1960 by Bodanwerft,
Kressbronn, and is the oldest motor vessel in service on Lake Geneva. She
was renovated in 2002, unlike her sister Grèbe which was sold. I
did not see Col-Vert in use in 2011, so the images below are from
2006.
Col-Vert
at Yvoire
Photo: @ Ian
Boyle, 22nd July 2006
Col-Vert
at Yvoire
Photo: @ Ian
Boyle, 22nd July 2006
Henry Dunant was built in 1963, sister to
the Général Guisan delivered the following year. Henry Dunant
is named after the founder of the International Red Cross.
Henry Dunant
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Général Guisan was built in 1963, sister to
the Henry Dunant delivered the previous year. Général Guisan
is named after the commander of the Swiss Army at the time of the Second
World War. He is best remembered for effectively mobilizing the Swiss army
and Swiss people in order to prepare resistance against a possible invasion
by Nazi Germany. On 25 July 1940, Général Guisan delivered a historic
address to the entire Swiss Officer Corps assembled on the Rütli, a location
charged with symbolism in Swiss Romantic nationalism by virtue of being
identified as the site of the Rütlischwur of 1291. Guisan became a symbol of
resistance to Nazism that was widespread amongst the Swiss public.
In 2004, Général Guisan operated a morning return trip to Geneva
from Ouchy, followed by three evening returns to Evian, Evian/Thonon and
Evian. The Thonon trip is marketed as a dinner cruise.
Général Guisan
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Ville de Genève was built in 1978 was built
by Bodanwerft, Kressbronn, in 1978 to a similar size and layout as
Chablais (now scrapped), but given a less austere appearance through a
more streamlined shape. She was built to replace the Lausanne (1),
a dieselised paddler. Ville de Genève has served on many routes in
all year service, and has a smart interior for charter work. She was
renovated between 2009-2011. In 2011, Ville de Genève berthed at
Bouveret overnight and ran the first trip
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Ville de Genève
passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle,
19th July 2011
Léman (5) was built in 1990 by OESWAG Werft
(Linz) to work the Evian-Ouchy ferry. As built, she had two decks full of
rows of basic plastic seats with small areas of padding, making her the most
unpleasant CGN vessel to sail on. Outside space is restricted to small areas
at the stern on each deck, generally full of smokers. In hot weather,
travelling on Léman was almost unbearable. In 2005 she was refitted
with a small 1st class lounge at the stern on the upper deck. This area is
air-conditioned and is fitted with smart leather seating. The cover for the
air-con equipment now acts as a small dummy funnel. The hull has been
painted dark blue to match the Grand Vedettes and high speed
Navibuses, which is a great improvement. For some years Léman
extended her route to Thonon once a day at lunchtime. Bizarrely, this was
marketed as a cruise despite being a totally unsuitable vessel for cruising.
However, it must be said that travel in the new 1st class lounge is an
extremely civilised way to commute to work, though not as pleasant as the
saloon on Léman's predecessor on the route, the paddle vessel
Vevey.
Léman
arriving
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Léman
arriving
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Léman
leaving Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Léman
arriving at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Léman
arriving at Ouchy in stormy conditions, advertising the Evian Masters
golf tournament
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011
Léman
leaving Ouchy, advertising the Evian Masters golf tournament
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011
Léman
arriving at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian
Boyle, 19th July 2011
Léman
- the 1st class lounge, upper deck aft
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Léman
upper deck 2nd class lounge with improved seating, which look like the
same design and material as used in recent Lausanne trolleybuses
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Léman
lower deck 2nd class lounge with the plastic seats used throughout the
vessel initially
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th
July 2011
Lausanne (1) was built in 1991 by OESWAG Werft
(Linz). She is the largest passenger vessel on Lac Léman at 670 tons, 78.8m
length oa and 1500 passengers. She was initially trialled for three years on
the Rhône-Express in place of the paddle steamer Rhône, but was not
a great success, finding it difficult to maintain schedule because her large
size made her cumbersome at piers. In 1995 Rhône again took over
all Rhône-Express duties. In 2004 she was being used on lunch and dinner
cruises from Geneva, but was again replaced by Vevey and then
Savoie and has since seen little use on scheduled services. She is an
impressive vessel to sail on and is popular for charters throughout the
year.
Lausanne
on a charter in July 2011
Photo: @ Mike
Tedstone 2011
Les Grandes Vedettes
Morges (2005) - Lavaux (2006) - Valais (2) (2008)
CGN ordered two grandes vedettes for lesser
used coastwise traffic and charters in summer and for longer trips out of
season. Morges was launched in 2005, followed by Lavaux in
2006. A third vessel Valais (2) was ordered to begin service in 2008.
One vessel took over the Geneva circular tours from Grèbe, which
was sold rather than being refurbished like sister Col-Vert.
Despite being much larger than the Grèbe, Valais was quite
over-crowded on the trip which I took.
Morges
leaving Ouchy with Léman
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Morges
leaving Ouchy with Léman
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Morges
leaving Ouchy with Léman
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
Lavaux
arriving at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Lavaux
arriving at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Lavaux
at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Lavaux
at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Valais
loading at Thonon for Evian
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Valais
arriving at Thonon from Evian
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Valais
leaving Yvoire for Thonon and Evian
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Valais
- the main saloon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011
Navibuses
Coppet (2007) - Genève
(2) (2007)
CGN ordered two Navibuses Coppet and
Genève (2) from S.E.E.Merré (Nantes) for delivery in 2007. These are
used primarily on fast services between Ouchy and Thonon, with some services
running via Morges. There is also a fast service from Ouchy along the Lavaux
coast to Vevey, Montreux and St Gingolph which was busy with returning
commuters. There does not seem to be an equivalent fast service to bring
commuters into Lausanne, with the first service being the Ville de
Genève
which does not reach Ouchy until 10:40am. Demand for travel from Thonon
means that both vessels are required for peak morning services, so there is
not currently an option to run a fast morning service in from
Vevey/Montreux.
The Navibuses are 25m long and carry 120 passengers with a block of seats
reserved for 1st class. They are powered by two Caterpillar diesels driving
water jets. Each engine is 1045kW, compared to the 870kW of each of the
mighty Lausanne's two engines.
Coppet
arriving at Ouchy from Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Coppet
at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011
Genève
arriving at Ouchy from Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
Genève
arriving at Ouchy from Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011
