French Alps
 

Flying into Lyon in mid-May - getting a car - spending the first two nights in Vienne outside Lyon - taking the train into the city. Is one full day adequate to see Lyon? Then heading for the Alps - probably the North Alps first then the South. Any suggestions on any really neat places/things to see? We're experienced travelerss but have a bit of trepidation about driving in the mountains. (We're "flatlanders" from Chicago!) Any thoughts/suggestions?

I think that the drive from Chamonix to the Mediterranean following the roads closest to the Italian border is definitely worth it. But it represents going over at least five high mountain passes on sometimes very narrow and steep roads.

The "Route des Grandes Alpes" is one of the most gorgeous roads of the world.

http://www.grande-traversee-alpes.com/en.html

The most spectacular sections are in the northern and middle part of the route.

The road is well built and easy to drive.

The town of Briancon,which boasts 300+ day of sunshine per year, is along your route and would be worth a stop/overnight, IMO. It has an interesting fortified old town, designed by Vauban.
It is the home of Luc Alphand, former Olympic skier, and he now owns a micro-brewery/brasserie in Vallouise, a village not far from Briancon.

We had a family ski trip to Briancon 10 years ago and loved the area.

Thanks, folks. All replies very helpful.