A few things that might not have been mentioned:
The Corniche de Cevennes is a great swooping road through (as you may guess) the Cevennes, which is a lovely area. Runs from St Jean du Gard to Florac.
Anywhere in the Massif Central, especially just north of le Puy en Velay (which is pretty dramatic itself).
The passes on the French side of the Pyrenees, usually used by the Tour de France (l'Aubisque, Tourmalet, Peyresourde).
La Cirque de Gavarnie, also in the Pyrenees.
For Itchy, ferry to Santander then northwards is a good plan. I always stay in small hotels in France (not the chains, although places like Formule 1 can be very cheap).
Logis de France is an association of independent hotels which are generally good value, and many have excellent restaurants. Most towns will have at least one reasonably priced place to stay.
I've been returning to France for 20 years or so both by bike and car and absolutely love it. It represents civilisation to me.
