Looking to do a trip up the Alps French?]in early September but torn between self guided and tour. My partner is a longtime accomplished distance and mountain rider I am just along for the ride as it were. Leaning toward self guided to make the dates work for us but also looking for recommendations. TIA

Not a mountain cyclist but what do you expect a tour company to do for you? Move your luggage (hire a taxi), book a hotel (hmmm) or tell you about the best route?

Moving luggage is best thing, especially for mountain biking and there are companies that do that - self-directed tour with bags waiting at hotel - search for them.

I generally do unguided if I'm not doing a sports oriented trip. When I do a sports trip, I have found it far easier to go with a good tour company that specializes in sports specific trips. I've used Backroads several times and they offer custom trips to accommodate your schedule. Things that I have appreciated on guided sports trips, provided you pick a good tour company, are
1. the logistics of getting from point A to point B to point C, etc. without backtracking to return rented equipment,
2. the tour company providing good quality equipment and support if necessary.
3. providing unique experiences that may be off the beaten track, i.e., nothing you will find in a guide book.
4. the lodging, restaurants, activities have been fully vetted.
5. any hassles are handled by the guides not you.

I could go on but you get the idea.