Once upon a time
Lake Annecy’s classic mahogany runabouts
With the return of classic mahogany runabouts, Lake Annecy simply exudes the sweet life.
The iconic mahogany runabouts near Pont des Amours (“Lovers’ Bridge”) just returned to their home port after a two-season hiatus.
Synonymous with Annecy’s picturesque charm, these iconic motorboats had disappeared from the scene until Green Water Annecy gave them a new beginning. Since the end of July, they have returned to their rightful place in the turquoise blue waters Vassé Canal’s.
Hop on board for an all-electric-powered cruise on the lake.
The runabout slowly pulls away from the pier along Quai Jules Philippe. Onlookers stare in awe while we glide beneath Lovers’ Bridge, and the only sound we hear is the water lapping up against our electric-powered boat as, to the starboard side, we pass by Swan Island. The Mouette 2 cuts a fine jib with its shiny fittings, and embarking on this historic mahogany wood runabout built in 1950 makes it practically feel like cruising on a lake in Italy.
Fully restored to the highest standards at boatyard in Sevrier, including a brand new electric motor, this runabout emits no CO2 and represents the future of sustainable boating on the lake. A second historical runabout built in 1936, the Nelson, has also been retrofitted with an electric motor.
“Electrifying our boats was a real challenge since they were not originally designed for electric motors,” explains Dorian Etienne, co-founder of Green Water Annecy. “We had to install the batteries in the bow, which required making several other renovations to compensate for the increase in the overall weight of the boat.”
© Green Water Annecy / Wooden runabout
As the shore passes by, the pilot, who completed a dedicated training course, tells stories and talks about the history of the lake and the verdant surrounding mountains whose reflection we can see in the clear blue waters. Quick glances at the waterfront villas here and there along the shoreline offer the chance to daydream a little.
After our thirty-minute cruise, we return to Vassé Canal where the centuries-old trees along each side form their own unique version of an honor guard, a sight that never gets old.
Two new runabouts with combustion motors, Greenwood 1 and Greenwood 2, expand Green Water Annecy‘s fleet. Each can transport up to thirteen passengers, including the pilot. Custom built from plans designed by a naval architect, each Riva-looking runabout measures eight meters long and two meters wide. They are made in France at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
In the next few weeks, a fifth boat will join the fleet.
Pratical informations
- Departures every 45 minutes from 09:00-19:00.
- All tours include live commentary.
- Rates: 1 hour – €30 for adults, €27 for children under 12 years old / 30 min -€17 for adults and €15 for children under 12 years old.
- Open through the All Saints’ Day school holiday period.
© Green Water Annecy / Wooden runabout
Le Pont des Amours / Lovers’ Bridge
In 1845, to mark the visit of Charles-Albert of Savoie, the King of Sardinia-Piedmont, a wooden footbridge was built for spectators to see the canal’s nighttime lights.
In 1859, it was replaced with a three-arch iron structure that was subsequently dismantled since it proved difficult for boats to pass.
In 1907, the bridge that we still use today was built. While its official name is the “Passerelle du Jardin Public” (Public Gardens Footbridge), a long time ago Annecy locals renamed it “Pont des Amours” (Lovers’ Bridge).
© Gilles Piel / Vassé Canal and Pont des Amours (Lovers' Bridge)
Another story
Copyright:
- © Green Water Annecy
Journalist: Aude Pollet Thiollier
Translation: Darin Reisman