In reply to CacCarnBeag:
Briançon could work for you.
There is loads of skiing at resorts and a loads of touring to be had. I have a free online guide for ski touring here - https://www.ecrinscollective.com/guidebook/ski-touring
There is quite a lot of ice climbing options, for La Grave, Fournel, Freissinieres and Ceillec are the better known one. The ice season here may not be as solid as it used to be but, there is always something to climb, plus you can head high if needed. Also it is possible to rock climbing most of the winter so you can mix it up.
A car is probably essential, as the venues are spread out a fair bit. If it was just piste and side of piste touring then you could get away without one and just hitch or blag lifts for the ice climbing. But having one would be better
One of the thing you asked was about finding partners, That can be a little hard here. the resorts are a year round venue, so there isn't a mad rush on seasionairs looking to do stuff on their day off. There is a lot of locals heading out, they are very nice and I have found welcoming. But it's the old story they probably already have their groups and partners so you need to do most of the running. But great if you get in with a good team. That said it is changing a bit with a bigger group of people coming here to work online and experience the mountains?
Cheers