Driving to Rome from the UK at Christmas time, where to stop off

[Franniban]

We are planning to drive down to Rome for Christmas with DS7 and DD6. Wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a stop over, I'm thinking somewhere near the border. It doesn't have to be flash, just comfortable and a reasonable price.

Within France I usually use a hotel in the Accor Hotel group which include Ibis, Novotel and Etap all are cheap and clean. The internet rates can be really good 3 of use stayed in the central Ibis in La Rochelle last week with Breakfast for 56 Euros including secure car parking - the rack rate is 95 euros for two. Last Sunday the Etap in Laval three of us no breakfast 35 euros. All of them we have stayed in have been clean and beds comfortable. DD likes the single bed above the double in the Etaps!!!