I don't know about the bike rental, but I have plenty of suggestions on where to stay, eat, camp or whatever in southern France between Avignon and the Alpes. We've ridden a lot of those roads (including A d-H) and have camped in a few great spots.

I have not looked too closely at the tour route for next year (since we can't afford to go, I don't wnat to torture myself yet ). I'll take a look and shoot you a PM with some suggestions. I will say that:

- Briancon is generally a great stopping place. The camp ground there is great - good facilities, pool/snack bar, common room with TV, etc.
- The food in Avignon is the best EVER. Better than Paris by a huge margin.
- The little dry sausages at Serre Chevalier ROCK.
- The Galibier is an EASY ride from the Briancon side and a heart stopper from the Telegraphe side.
- The almost naked Dutch guys at half way on the Alpe d'Hues make it SO worth it. Plus, have Nutella and ice cream crepes at the top...

I SO wish we were going. (Can you tell?)