Captivating relics from different eras dot the bottom of the lake, transforming its waters into a veritable library of historical archives. With around 40 historic shipwrecks, as well as being a source of drinking water and biodiversity, Lake Geneva is also a veritable underwater museum. Each sunken relic tells a unique part of the history of Lake Geneva. Although most of these wrecks are accessible by diving, it is essential to treat them as archaeological sites to be preserved with respect.
L'Hirondelle, the first steamboat built entirely in Switzerland, was inaugurated in Ouchy in 1856, offering memorable journeys to its passengers. However, a tragic fate awaited her in 1862, when she hit a rock between Clarens and La Tour-de-Peilz. Despite several rescue attempts, a storm eventually swept her away, leaving L'Hirondelle lying at a depth of more than 40 metres. Today, it is the largest wreck on Lake Geneva accessible by scuba diving, and is a favourite with divers.
Among the aircraft sunk in Lake Geneva, the wreck of the Vampire aircraft has been submerged since 1951 at La Bataillère, near Villeneuve.
But that's not all! Lake Geneva is also home to naus (traditional flat-bottomed boats used for professional fishing from the Middle Ages to the 17th century), sailing boats, as well as cochères (cargo boats used from the 17th to the 20th century) and barques, including the Andalouse, sunk during the Second World War and located on the Pointe de Messery beach, and the Paradis, dating from 1908 and lying in the shallows near Genthod.
