Driving from Lyon to Rieti (Rome)

We'll drive from Dunkirk to Lyon (because husband has a meeting there) then onto the Sabina (Lazio). Any thoughts on the Lyon/Rome bit? Driving next week. Our ferry arrives at 9.30/10 in Dunkirk and I'd love to find a small town for lunch. Normally we do the wonderful Newcastle/Amsterdam/Germany route stopping at a great hotel in Innsbruck (Hotel Kappeller) with secure parking and fab' breakfast but it's France this time.