In France stay off the N roads and Peage where possible (once you're out of the way of the ports - I tend to go as far as Le Mans before starting to enjoy myself). It's just as quick, and far more fun on the D roads (less traffic, and twistier). Fewer Gendarmes to worry about too g0551p
I very much like the Massif Central / Auvergne area of France (also known as Parc du Volcans). It is a national park, with very few people living there, and as you've probably guessed, there are loads of (inactive) volcanoes. There's very little traffic, the scenary is quite stunning, and the roads are :bow: . Fewer tourists than the Alps or Pyrenees mountain ranges (Mountains in the Auvergne are lower than either of these, but still twice as high as the Lake District). You can go to the Massif Central on your way, or on your way back to Millau Bridge and Gorges du Tarn (which I agree are definitely worth seeing - as is much of the Ardeche). I would thoroughly recommend staying in Hotel Lion d'Or in Entraygues (pronounced Entrays) on the southern end of the Auvergne region, which is about a days ride from Millau and the Gorges du Tarn. I stayed there in the summer, and it was wonderful. As the altitude is generally higher in these areas the heat won't be the same problem as it may be further south in July.
I could quite happily spend 12 days just between Clermont Ferrand (to the North) and Montpellier (South). If you get a clear day - you can take the bike right to the summit of Mt Aigoual (4500 feet or so), from where you can see one third of France in one go, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Med. Mt Ventoux (to the East in Provence) offers similarly spectacular scenary.
Watch out for petrol on Sundays - many rural stations will not be open, and your credit/debit card (unless you have a French one) will not work in the machine. Often a helpful Frenchman/lady will help out though - so make sure you have some cashbrok3 . The temperature in south France, and more so Spain will be far more pleasant in June, and there will be less traffic as it is before the holiday season kicks off.
Have a great time :beer:
