I drove down so can't advise on flights, but I think nearest place to stay is Bourg D'Oisans.
I stayed at great cycling hostel just outside B d'O with massive bike room where you just hang your bike on the hook with your room number on. They do weather reports for you at dinner so you can plan your next day, and free pasta in the afternoon so you can refuel after your ride before dinner.
It's run by a dutch guy. Will try to remember what it was called and post details.
For good all round info get the lonely planet cycling in france we used it last year in provence for routes around and over Ventoux-
BTW were you out in surrey on sunday we went past someone who looked like you in nutfield/ outwood area.?
i was yeah with one other person from brighton mitre. i was day dreaming alot of the time just making sure i was almost hitting the other persons wheel, so i didnt see may other people..sorry if i mised you
Rob,
Another travel option is the [url=http://www.bike-express.co.uk/index.html]European Bike Express[/url]. They pick you up near the M25, travel overnight then you could get off at Lyon or Valence, both rideable distance to the Alpe.