Chariot transbordeur, Industrial artifact in Lausanne, Switzerland

The Chariot transbordeur is a restored industrial transfer cart displayed on the Esplanade du Flon in Lausanne, Switzerland. It consists of a dark grey mechanical structure with a curved roof, cylindrical tanks, and large spoked wheels, mounted on a modern elevator housing.

The transfer cart was used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to move train wagons from Lausanne station to the warehouses of Flon. After years of restoration, it was returned to the district in 2023, marking the area's 25th anniversary.

The name 'Voie-du-Chariot' comes from this cart, which once moved wagons through the Flon district. Today, it stands as a nod to the area's industrial past, and locals often use the square around it as a meeting point.

The artifact is outdoors on a public square, so you can walk up to it at any time. The area is flat and easy to navigate, with nearby benches and shops for a break.

The cart is perched on top of an elevator shaft, blending old machinery with modern infrastructure. Its restoration involved moving it piece by piece through the city center in September 2023.