Yes, I'd definitely be up for a few days over the pond in late August somewhere not too far from Calais (hence might include the Ardennes/Eifel/Mosel region).
A few thoughts on this if I may; (I`ve been in the Pyrenees for about 10 years) and toured quite a lot in the alps before that. The Spanish side is drier and more arid, apart from the western range where it rains a lot on both sides. It is characterized by deep impressive gorges and wide vistas. The greener French side doesn't have the canyons, but the valleys are steeper sided and more dramatic as the big mountains rise from the lowlands directly. On both sides the watersheds tend to run north/south limiting the ease of east west travel. I would say that the scenery, if not quite as spectacular as the Alps is equally beautiful. Weather is generally more settled than the Alps in summer. The roads are great on both sides with little traffic apart from the August holiday, and good surfaces. Much quieter than the popular Alpine areas. Accommodation is cheaper than the Alps and again other than August,plentiful-no need to pre-book. Prices generally, of booze, petrol,and accommodation/meals are a little lower on the Spanish side, but Spanish food can be disappointing. Do watch out for Spanish road Police as they have a reputation for being ruthless in the quest to line their own pockets and will fine you for farting if they can. The Pyrenees are also actually easier to get to via the Santander Ferry for those who don't want to snooze their way through N/E France.,though it is more expensive of course. This is only one view of course and others will rightly differ. Hope it is of some use anyway.
That would have been somewhere around Briancon. I was getting home on my own as I had picked up a large nail in rear tyre. Nobody at the time had the new socket for the Multi so couldn't get it sorted and didn't want to be left stranded in case the plug didn't work. Made it back off the autoroutes and actually had a fun ride home always ready to hit the front brake to unload the rear if it went down suddenly. By the way, I agree with you on the Santander trip. I went down to Portugal last year and will be back touring North Spain this May. A rather a high pass near Briancon:
