Travelling from Munich to Côte d'Azur by car

I am planning a vacation on French Riviera in late June and I'd like to go there by car - after all, what's the use of living in Munich if one cannot use the geography to his own advantage?

Anyone here did it before? Any tips or recommendations? Are the highways along the coast in Italy/France crowded in June?

I am also thinking of making overnight stop in Italy, as it's a long way and I am travelling with children. Any suggestions? I heard that Lago di Garda is nice, but never been there...

We have taken both routes. Once via Austria/Milan/Cremona and west to France with an overnight in a motel close to Cremona. The second time we went through Switzerland and overnighted in Annecy. You need a vingette to pass through Austria to Italy and most Italian freeways are subject to toll but it wasn't much. Same applies to the route through Switzerland/France. I recommend the latter as to landscape and views but you can always take one route down and the other back.
Avoid France at the beginning of July as that is the official beginning of summer vacation and the whole country 1) shuts down; 2) takes to the streets; 3) turns chaotic. In Italy, school vacations begin around June 10th so plan accordingly.

I've done it a couple of times although admitedly not from Munich but from Frankfurt and would recommend the Swiss route via the St Gottard tunnel for speed. You could stay overnight in Milan. There are a few hotels all close together on the main drag E35 I think just as you enter the outsides of the city.

I spent 2 years living down on the Riviera and loved it. Make sure you check out the Gorge de Verdon, it's a fabulous area.