We keep changing our mind re where to go, but have now decided to visit Provence for 6-8 days in May. We're from the U.S., will be flying into Marseilles, and at the end of our trip, we'll fly out of Nice. (We don't plan to spend time in Marseilles or Nice.) Looking for advice re itineraries, prettiest towns, nice small hotels or BnBs (unless not practical in certain towns), restaurants, and things/places we shouldn't miss. We'll have a rental car. In general, we'd like to spend more than one night at each place, unless suggested not to. We're open to staying in towns as a base and driving fairly short distances elsewhere as a day trip (maybe 1-2 hour drive at most). We're foodies, so would love good food tour(s) - if there are any good ones- and perhaps visit Aix en Provence, Arles, Avignon. If recommended that we do one, we're open to doing local day tours of a town. Thanks in advance!

Well to start please do not drive after a transatlantic flight, for you safety and that of other road users.
Marseille is worth a visit anyway. so stay there your first night at least.

Good idea. Thanks.

hetismij2 is right -- if crossing multiple time zones, it won't be safe -- for you or anyone else on the roads -- to drive for 24 to 36 hours. Marseilles is delightful, IMO, or you can take public transportation to Aix-en-Provence. It'll only take about 1/2 hour.

You have a wealth of options for what to see and experience. The Michelin Green Guide is particularly good for the area. Or you might find some useful information in my trip report:
A stellar month in southeastern France