First trip abroad, France-Italy, advice wanted

[Adam80UK]

A few of us are now actually planning a trip rather than just talk about it. Will be June/July, maybe 5 days, all to be worked out this week.

Destination is the Stelvio Pass, Italy (Top Gears greatest road). Basically will be ferry to Calais then onwards. May take in the old Charles De Gueux on route.

The advice I want (i did search but results were too overwhelming!) is any places that may worth a stop over on way or way back, and/or places to sleep the night. Also any pics of places suggest would be great to show my group.

Many thanks!
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Current: '07 Suzuki SV1000 & '07 Honda SH300i (again).
Previously owned: '08 Yamaha R1, '10 Kawasaki Z1000, '07 Honda SH300i, '04 Suzuki SV1000S, '11 Honda CB1000R, '09 Kawasaki ZX-10R, '08 Aprilia Tuono 1000R, '07 Triumph Daytona 675, '95 Honda CBR600F.