I'll be taking day trips to Albi and Carcassonne with a tour group next week, and we'll have "free time" for lunch. I imagine I will be among a crush of tourists and the restaurant offerings might not be the best, but I would welcome any recommendations for places to get a simple, moderately priced lunch. Thanks!

Abbydog, I can't remember the name of one of the great places we ate in Albi, when we stayed with a local resident, a friend of my travel companion.
But I do remember the beautiful town of Gaillac and, if you have time, you could consider a visit, and a stop in one of the local wineries.
Albi also had a good antique market....if I can find my notes, I'll report back. This is glorious part of France. We had been invited to stay at Remy Martin in Cognac, and continued on to Albi on that trip; there are so many beautiful little towns nearby and I'm sorry I have no details at hand, as I am in Puglia at the moment.

I'll look at my old photos and see if I can come up with some names...

In Albi: Le Clos Sainte-Cecile.

Thank you!

It’s startling how many restaurants in Carcassonne, even inside the Cité mediévale are well rated in Gault&Millau. Price indications are given, too, but what I can’t tell is whether they would offer a quick, simple lunch or more of a 1.5-2 hour event. Maybe check out Bloc G or Auberge de Dame Carcas?
On our own visit to Carcassonne we must have eaten forgettably.