To pass a lazy afternoon in Charente Maritime, made the short trip to Les Jardins de Collette. Not a great move. We arrived in St Andre de Lidon and found the way well signposted. We do not have to pay the advertised four euro fee and we soon see why: the gardens are in a poor state and have been neglected for quite a while. You can see that it was quite presentable not too long ago but now the weeds have taken over. Still, there are some fine plants there and the interesting Atlantic Cactus Garden survives and thrives mainly because it is a commercial outlet for the Domain de Chaillaud. The shop, which is in first class condition, sells a range of local products, mainly cognacs and pineaus. We had a tasting of both pineaus and went off happy with a bottle of blanc for less than nine euro. But that was about the only highlight!
