Provence without a car

It depends partly on what you mean by "villages", but in general terms, classic Provence--the area aound Avignon and Arles--is not terribly well served by public transportation. Some of the small places don't even have bus service. When bus service exists, it may still be a real challenge to get to two or more places in a day--which you will want to do in some cases because the small spots can be really small. The Riviera (both coast and hill towns) is bit easier to manage without a car.

Art museums tend to be in places with at least bus service, so your interest in art is not going to be a problem.

Do you have any specific places on your target list?

You might consider taking at least one bus tour to some of the smaller Provencal towns. I haven't done that, but I believe such tours are offered from Avignon and probably also from Arles.

We've done Provence without a car, but we had a longer time. We haven't been to Vaison-la-Romaine, but many people have recommended it very highly, and I would look at it if I were you as it's "on your way" from Taize to the rest of Provence. Then possibly visit Saint Remy and Les Baux (near each other and also both highly recommended). You will have to check bus schedules and plan very carefully with such a short time.

I think you can have a very rewarding stay in Provence without a car. You will not nearly exhaust things to see and do that are on a train line in that short a time.

I would emphasize Roman antiquities over cathedrals.

Here are some preliminary suggestions.:

1) Base yourself in one of the three towns in the Rhone valley all connected by rail: Arles, Avignon, or Nimes.

2) Buy a guidebook to the region to pick some daytrips, then use that to pick a base. Example: If you want to visit Cassis, stay in Arles, it is closer.

3) You may also hire a cab or a guide if you want to get out of those towns.

The Rhone towns are a triangle separated by 20-minute train rides.

What Adam said. Those are all good options.

I’ve holidayed in Provence both with and without a car and both are possible. Of course you won’t be able to see everything but that’s never possible!

I’ll add that if you want a more village-y experience, I stayed across the river from Avignon in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and it was absolutely gorgeous and much quieter than Avignon itself. 30 minute walk to get to Avignon; also possible to call a cab to take you there or to the train station to catch a train elsewhere.