I agree with all the points made and would add a few. I have walked from Moissac on the Le Puy route - it is more beautiful, not in the grand sense - can't beat Spain for that - but in the rolling meadows, deciduous woods, winding lanes, dips to beautiful streams, the golden architecture of houses and towns .. but in Spain the entrances to towns, the unbuilt on gaps in between houses, the edges of shopping malls and so on tend to be strewn with rubble, weeds, rubbish .. I find it very ugly, whereas in France there will be grass, maybe trees.
I find that the French are friendlier, more helpful, kinder - and they don't kill bulls either - it is a very different culture to Spain.
Re food - I know that I seem to be rare here but I do not like Spanish food .. I cannot think of one Spanish dish that I like, and don't get me on to the bread crust so sharp that you cut your gums! - in Spain I only eat because I am hungry, no other reason - whereas in France the food is quite wonderful - always! - and at even the meanest cafe there will be a board outside showing set meals and prices and the cheapest 3 course will be marvellous.
Do I need to mention French wine?
I walked in March/April 2005 and it was very quiet. Once, at a village refugio, the mayor came with a bottle of wine to offer a welcome. At another two council staff arrived with clipboards and smiles to ask if everything was ok and was there anything that could be improved. I have picked up the key from the tourist office, stayed in a medieval apartment in the centre, and dropped the key off into their letterbox the next morning. Three times I was invited to the family meal of the refugio owners - always charming, civilised, graceful - I was charmed by walking in France and I still am.
It was a culture shock for me, descending into Spain from Roncesvalles, and I have never really got over it.
Oh, if only the remains of St James were housed in St Jean!!!
p.s. and from where better can you send a postcard home saying you are being safe than the beautiful town of Condom?