Not a big fan of the N71 Troyes to Dijon. I know it gets a lot of praise but It just never seems that memorable to me. I know they are some good bits but contrary to what many mags etc say I was not too impressed. Have done it twice (maybe 3rd time lucky?) I agree roads not too good in northern France but saying that we have found some good routes from north of Verdun heading south towards Neufchateau and then the N5 towards Geneva (was there in the car a couple of weeks ago) It seems to get harder to find a bad road the further south you go. I keep meaning to do the Gorges L'ardeche but never seem to manage it. Its not far from Orange which is always a good place to stop and have a night out. From Orange you can head eastward via Mt Ventoux where they still have a big hillclimb for racing cars, then further east to Sisteron and the N85 etc.
I think these days I would be more inclined to do a longer slog the first day on the motorway down to near Dijon which gives you more time on the better roads later in the trip.
Ray if youre interested in motor racing you may like to nip to the old circuit at Reims as its well worth a visit if youre into that kind of thing. It would only take an hour off your trip down.
Pics of Reims old circuit here
http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/...read.php?t=726