After 4 days in Paris, we will have 2 days free before embarking on a river cruise to Avignon. Renting a car is possible. Any suggestions about an itinerary that would enable us to leisurlely experience quaint villages, food, open markets, wine, rather than larger cities? Would staying at a centrally located inn in the country side make sense, from which to take a couple of day trips?

What time of year will this be?

You could take a train to Strasbourg, rent a car there, and visit some of the villages in Alsace. Any of the charming villages would be a perfect base; I especially like Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.

Or drive south towards Auxerre, Joigny in Burgundy. Therevare many quaint villages nearby such as Chablis, Semur, Nevers...

Since you need to go to Avignon, Burgundy makes sense.

Most of the pictures are geo-tagged, which might help in figuring out an itinerary:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622755059630/

For charming villages and countryside close to or away from Paris check out the terrific photo essays by regular poster FrenchMystiqueTours -

http://www.fodors.com/community/prof...mystiquetours/