Dunno much about the roads in the Alps as I essentially go there over winter and this is the last place you would want to take a bike.
However I think that you can go through the Tarantaise Valley that will take you through AlbertVille, Moutiers, Bourg St Maurice and then you can carry on to Val D'Isere and take the mountain pass Col de L'Iseran that connect you to Italy. It is closed most of the year (and I have a funny story of some plonkers trying to take it from Italy to Val D'Isere at new year...) but it should be open in July / August. Scenery is something quite special as it is running real high. Roads are kept in reasonably good condition as this is a very popular holiday destination, but on the other hand winter abuse and trucks don't spare them. Also tight bends can be spread with diesel spills so watchout.
Val D'isere is a center for anything 4x4, moutain bike, dirt bikes, etc... over summer, there is even an MX track up there. I don't know if they rent bikes for the day but could be a fun stop.
As for France, you'll find that all main cities (especially Paris) switch off in August (actually street parking is even free in Paris in August!!). All the action moves to the holiday destinations.
As for Italy it is even worse... ever wondered why you cannot get special Ducati, marchesini, brembo, etc. parts over summer?? Companies just close down in August there.
Cheers
philippe
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