La Grosse Horloge

It was a long drive but there was sufficient time to wander down to the old port in La Rochelle. My eye was drawn to the huge clock tower (not many clocks escape my notice!) The first stone was laid in the 12th century, at a time when the city was completely surrounded by a protective great wall. This fortified entrance that connected the city to the port was then a simple rectangular tower flanked by two turrets and two passageways: one for the horse-drawn carriages and carts transporting merchandise, and another narrower one for pedestrians. At the end of the 13th century, it was adorned with the latest technology, a clock, and was fitted with a bell tower.

Please excuse my lack of comments while travelling. My internet connections are likely to be very slow and sporadic.