Chamonix valley: ace apart from the vehicle and woodburner pollution. It’s one of the most polluted areas in France; I couldn’t live there.
Bourg St Maurice: one of the villages opposite les Arcs maybe but life would be a bit dull a lot of the time as there’s not a fat lot else to do when you’ve finished your daily exercise. The sunny side of the hill, but it’s still dismal in late Autumn and Spring. A two season possibility.
Portes de Soleil: Nah.
Lake Annecy: Not bad
I chose Pau: I like the attitude in the south west, people are just as important as physical environment to me. Prosperous comfortable town of 150 000 with all that’s needed for an active social life. The best heated outdoor swimming pool anywhere, great lowland trails, an active club scene, big enough peaks nearby and ski resorts from 55km. The ocean close enough for day trips. Rarely too cold or too hot.