How to Paris well?

[mids2019]

We have just been to Paris over half term with my two early teen daighters.

We managed to see the major sights but found the crowds really intense (more so than London). There was a sense of being pulled along by the crowd and not having time or attention to enjoy views as there was the constant stress of jostling people. Also the huge crowds made us feel we were rushing places to get a photograph and moving on fairly quickly which was a bit flat. We found the Louvre especially crowded and though a fantastic experience was a bit clouded by the vast number of visitors.

Has anyone a bit of local knowledge of Paris that could recommend off the beaten track places of interest or great restaurant s that aren't too busy?

Perhaps the easiest win for less crowds is getting up early. Most tourists simply don’t do mornings, so if you get up early, you will find it so much nicer.
Since the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays get more visitors. Friday night sessions are also busy, as it is usually the beginning of many weekend breaks to Paris. The same applies for lots of other attractions.
When I last went to Paris, Square d’Ajaccio, a serene and flowery little park with an Eiffel Tower view next to the Hôtel des Invalides (a 15 min walk from Champ de Mars), was empty. I stopped there en route to the Rodin Museum’s leafy Sculpture Garden on a Sunday afternoon, which had no wait to buy tickets and had plenty of peaceful corners and unoccupied benches. Also, the Institut du Monde Arabeis great alternative to the Pompidou.

@Forgottenmyphone

brilliant. Thanyou.

the early morning tip is a good one. I don't think we did as many parks as we would have liked as the weather was rubbish.

where did you eat?

Holybelly - amazing tea, coffee and brunch menu. Try the London Fog or New Orleans iced coffee.
East Mamma - stylish, great atmosphere and one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been too.
La Crêperie Brocéliande - endless variety of both sweet and savoury crepes. Don’t go if you’re on a diet.