Post Rhone River Cruise Visit to Provence

RobinM,
Although Avignon isn't one of my favorite cities in Provence, it is one well-served by transportation and tour options for nearby sights. Without a car you don't want someplace like St. Remy-de-Provence. I like Arles better, and I would explore the options there for day tours from the city to lavender fields, Nimes, Pont de Gard, etc. If the cruise stop just gives you an introductory walking tour of Arles, you would probably enjoy exploring Arles in more detail. The Roman ruins are fairly extensive, the markets, on market days, are good, and I find the ambience better than Avignon. IMO Avignon has the underwhelming Palais des Papes and the bridge. Do check with the tourist bureau for each city about the day tour options from there.
The Marseille airport is outside the city, but very close to Aix-en-Provence. Buses run from there to the airport often and take under an hour. A taxi or Bolt or Uber should take about a half hour. I would stay at Aix the night before your flight. There are trains and buses from Arles to Aix and they take between an hour and an hour and a half. You would have to research the schedules to see what is best for you.

Absolutely agree about considering alternatives to Avignon, which is my least favorite place in France. It does, however, offer access to tours to places you might actually want to see.

I adore Aix, and it has a helpful tourist office. But I think you should see what tours would be available from there and certainly take a look at Arles before deciding.

Aix itself deserves at minimum a full day just for strolling its many beautiful areas, although with your limited time of course you’ll want to see other places. You might investigate a bus tour to the seaside village of Cassis (touristy , but, hey, you’re in Provence, which will be full of tourists everywhere) or north to the Luberon villages.

Have a great trip.

I second the suggestions made by Judy and Frenchaucoer. Although I too prefer Arles, Avignon is better for day trips without a car to lavender fields (group tours) and Pont du Gard (public bus or group tour). I stayed in Arles and took a train to Avignon (20 mins) and then a Luberon village half day tour from Avignon. There are also lavender day tours from Aix en Provence. Depending how early your morning flight is, Marselle city center is only 25-30 min from the airport; Marseille is interesting to visit and very difference from the other cities you are considering. Given so many good choices, I think the key thing is figuring out what activities and places interest you most.

Thank you, Judy, Frenchaucoeur, and CD. I appreciate your advice. Your input helps me to organize my thoughts and to come up with a plan. I believe we will make some great memories while visiting this corner of France. I'm already hoping we can return for a more in depth and longer visit. Merci beaucoup!