A quick report now I'm back.
First night at Aulnay excellent little (6 person) refuge. Me and one other pilgrim a delightful young man with tendonitis in his knee. He had to stop his planned walk.
Aulnay to St. Jean d'Angely a pleasant walk, signage good apart from losing my way on last lap close to St.Jean d'A. No other pilgrims, a very beautiful but solitary walk.
Abbaye Royale accommodation simple but good. No pilgrims to be seen.
St Jean d'A. to La Frediere. Pleasant walk , was very pleased to stop for a break chez forum member Tuesday Wild child. Met one cyclist (not a pilgrim) that's all.
Excellent overnight stay nr. la Frediere in old mill house. Dinner B&B very good.
Next day a beautiful walk from there to Saintes. Luckily that was mostly in wooded areas which was a relief as the weather was very hot.
This was a very different experience from walking the C.F. Few cafes, if any, sometimes a village shop.
Signage generally was very good. The walk did not feel at all threatening even for a lone female.