Not far from us, in Les Eglises-d'Argenteuil, there is an unassuming little Bar/Restaurant/Pension - Le Relais "Vevette". On our day off we called in for lunch. This is a typical French relais stop-off point for truck drivers and other travelling workers that provides food from early morning to early afternoon. There is a different menu of one or two main dishes with starter, cheese and desert courses (and included wine) every day. Everything is home cooked and generous. The restaurant is nicely presented and the service by the owner and her staff is friendly and efficient. When we called in the choice was veal or cooked boudin noir (black pudding). We chose the black pudding (being from the Black Country, Tony is somewhat of an expert....). It was excellent, having been cooked in a parcel of foil with the juices held in. Starter was from a buffet of various salads and pates. We chose poached pear in red wine for desert and finished with a coffee. All for less than 30 Euros for the two of us. Another must if you are in the area.
After lunch we drove to Saintes, where we visited the amphitheatre (flooded after the recent rain), went to the cinema to watch the recent Ken Loach film "Sorry We Missed You" (not an easy watch) and finished with a drink in a wine bar new to us, "Au Vin Gourmand" (auvingourmand.fr). A nice selection of wines served by the glass at very reasonable prices with charcuteries and cheeses to accompany them if you want. Another recommendation.