Saturday 27 May 2023

La Hirondelle 26

 

Stargazer lies serene, in the lee of the city walls. Sun awning rigged and windows opened. Myself clad in shorts, polo shirt and sun hat. Enjoying summer in the south.

Thanks to the help of two hire boat crew (whose breezy berth Stargazer had occupied on arrival). Who not only negotiated a more sheltered spot, with the harbour master; But came aboard, as line handlers, to assist us into it. 

A stone bridge joins a granite outcrop, to the shore. On this defensible island the mediaeval city fathers built the Ville Close.  Concarneau's bifurcated harbour forms the moat.


Sally ports pierce the battlements, as they wind their way around the outcrop. Enabling the defenders to spring surprise counter attacks, upon any assailants.


Today bright flowers cascade from the machicolations. The ports built to enable burning pitch to be poured upon would be wall climbers, in time of strife.


The tight jointed, massive blocked masonry runs on. Out to the deep water channel, which divides Concarneau from near neighbour Lanriec.


Towers and gables peer from above the firing step and archers slits. The fortification adapted from the age of the bow and arrow to the era of gunpowder.


Built for war; Peace reigns, close in beneath the wind blocking, sun trapping bulk, of the ancient walls.







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