UKC

Want to climb in an alternative location than Chamonix to get back in the swing of things, without the crowds.  Within max 3/4 hours drive to Chamonix which we will head to later in the trip. 

Have searched the forum and Ecrins seems like a good bet, we have a car and want mountaineering routes from PD- to AD+.    Any suggestions?

If you can afford Switzerland, there's the Breithorn half traverse, which can be done as a day trip from Zermatt. Also, Pollux normal route is a good acclimitisation option.

The Lagginhorn South Ridge is a great AD to get you going. Can be done from Hohsaas.

Zermatt/SaaS are only 2-3 hours from Cham.

There are lots of other AD options round there once you are acclimatised.

Monte Rosa from either Alagna or Gressoney, ideally placed, very quiet other than the Gniffeti refuge.