We are a family of 4 and have 3 days to travel from Bonnieux to Chamonix at the end of June. We have been looking at a few different ways through the alps and one of the options we have been looking at the Route des Grandes Alpes to see some real mountains, so our rough daily itinerary from Luberon as follows.

1.Drive through the lavender fields, Moustiers-Ste-Marie, Gorge du Verdon, overnight near Digne-Les-Bains at Chabrieres, it had good reviews.

2. Travel up to Briancon, overnight.

3.Briancon to Beaufort, via Col du Galibier, Val d'Isere, Route du Cormet De Roselend.

4.Beaufort to Chamonix.

After that we have 6 days in the Chamonix/ Annecy area.

Has anyone been through this way, have any advice on places to stay or visit, is leg 1 too short, is the leg from Briancon to Beaufort via the passes too much in a day.

I have been looking at Via Michelin for times etc, but they differ a bit from times in the Alps Green Guide, so not sure which one to go with, or do we look at a different way.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

We did the route des grandes Alpes from Chamonix to Nice, but in two days (overnight in Briançon). I highly recommend it as long as you feel comfortable with narrow hairpin turns, although by now the road may have been widened. Each pass is different, in some cases with a completely different geology.

If you used viamichelin in this season, the routing will be different because it takes into account seasonal pass closures. Specify your dates of travel for a more accurate routing close to the Italian border.

>>>is leg 1 too short<<<

No, if you stop on your way for sightseeing and hiking. In Moustiers, you have to see the china.

>>>places to stay <<<

We found Guillestre a beautiful place to stay overnight. You should even consider staying there two nights in order to have a day to explore the place, river rafting etc.

We found this hotel quite charming - with a pool and a restaurant serving regional fare:
http://www.hotel-lesbarnieres.fr/

>>>is the leg from Briancon to Beaufort too much in a day<<<

I would say, yes. We did a similar drive, but with one pass less. You may stay overnight in Bourg-St-Maurice, which is a charming Alpine village. We stayed at this hotel:
http://www.autantic.fr/bourg-st-maurice/
and walked to restaurant in town. Restaurant L'Arssiban is awarded a Bib Gourmand.

You will have a spectacular drive! Pray that the weather will be good.

Thanks for the info, just what we were looking for.
The dates that we are traveling through the alps is leaving Bonnieux on the 28th June, and arriving in Chamonix on the 1st July, May be a bit of fine tuning but we are looking forward this part of the trip.
Thanks again

>>>I have been looking at Via Michelin for times etc, but they differ a bit from times in the Alps Green Guide, so not sure which one to go with<<<

The Green Guide should be more reliable. Viamichelin uses a computer algorithm that overestimates the speed on those steep and windy roads. You will make not more than 30km per hour. And you will want to stop frequently for photoshooting and walking around.

Moustiers: It is a charming town, located at the western mouth of the Canyon du Verdon, where the river meets the reservoir. You can rent a kayak and paddle into the canyon. Moustiers is famous for the fayences - you should buy a little piece as a souvenir. They have a ceramics museum.

Guillestre: This valley is surrounded by mountain chains, so it is the sunniest place in France. You have access into the mountains (road to Risoul), you can do whitewater rafting, soak in natural hot springs, hike, bike, ride on horseback, visit the castle of Queyras and enjoy the scenery. Local cuisine features fresh trout and a lot of génépi (even génépi icecream). A good place for a break in the Alps.

http://www.guillestre-tourisme.com/g...ntdauphin.html