Cherbourg to Bologna

Hi All

Me and my BH are planning a trip down to the Ducati factory late July 2009. We will be catching the ferry to Cherbourg as we are staying in lower Normandy for a couple of days before heading south. Can anyone recommend routes and cheap and / or nice places to stay. We haven't decided whether to take one bike or two, obviously one will limit the luggage though (toothbrush, dress, sandals for me!).

Thanks for info

Lisa