That road, between Champagnole and Gex (with the dive by the Col de La Faucille) is something, isn’t it?
They are definitely good chaps, if you don’t take them for fools. Very professional. And you got to check out their nice Skoda Kodiak 4x4!
We had a nice certificate from the Gendarmes showing how we all achieved 136mph in a 90kph zone. The certificate only cost us 750euros each and a 6mnth ban. But we did get a nice tour of all the local ATM's by the Gendarme. Which was nice.
Agree, that northern coast is mind numbing. The Simplon Passe is an amazing road from Switzerland into north Italy, enjoy it whichever route you choose.