There are a number of well preserved and lovely villages in the region, all accessible within 30/45 minutes by car from Carcassonne. Any of them are accessed via lovely country roads winding through some of the most productive wine growing areas in the world.
Anongst the most impressive is: Lagrasse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrasse
In the heart of the Corbieres foothills of the Pyrenees, this charming village has impressive bridges, a historic abbey, and a set of ceramic workshops.