Gosh, where to start? As you may be aware we live down here in the sunny south of France. I'm obviously biased, but I reckon our location in the Baronnies is ideal biker country. Not crowded and a great variety of roads, including the
Geant de Provence Mont Ventoux. (See captinoi666 post - his photos of Col de Perty were taken only 10km from here).The high Alps are great for scenery, but once you've done a dozen hairpins the novelty begins to pall. Mind you, Europe's highest col, La Bonette, is only a couple of hours from here. I wouldn't bother going all the way to the coast, most of it is just built-up. Save your miles for the good stuff.
Fuel may be a problem in the rural north but down here in the twisties you're never far from a petrol station.
Most of the stupid proposed legislation got dropped, so don't sweat over it - me and every other French biker don't bother. And of course most of us have had the bike de-restricted
Don't take the tunnel it's sh1t. Relax over a fish and chip dinner on the ferry.
F1 hotels are cheapest, but not en-suite. If you want your own bog and shower try Ibis Budget (formerly Etap). There's usually a Courtpaille restaurant nearby, quick and cheapish.
Have fun.
ps, we're ex Leicester - and don't miss it one little bit!