outside view
Carcassonne is not a so great town by its own, but when you get out of the downtown and you go to the 'castle' (citée in french) that so great. I'm nott living in carcassonne anymore, but anytime I come back there (it's not so fare), it's so sgreat to re-discover this citée ...
As you want ... have a walk outside, inside (not necessary to go deep inside, just inside it's great and free!)
You can have a typical lunch or diner inside.
During the summer, it's a mess, to many people around during the day, but at night ... it's so nice to have a drink (or 2!).
The best time to visit are:
June (nice weather, and no jam)
September (same)
Durinf the winter it can be nice (cold but nice)