Rainy week in Paris; shifting gears. Ideas?

I'd pack a waterproof jacket as well. You may be able to enjoy the gardens if the rain is light or intermittent. I do see some forecast for thunderstorms which you'd not want to be sitting in a garden for! The forecast is still a week away so might not be totally accurate. You are doing well to have some Plan B opportunities in your back pocket though.

I DO recommend carrying a plastic bag to sit on in case a bench or garden chair is wet from a rain. I use a heavier plastic grocery bag I got from Trader Joes a few years ago but have also used a heavier plastic bag from a store. The regular flimsy grocery store bags won't work. A Macy's type bag will. I always have one in my purse in Paris because often benches are dotted with bird poop any way, lol.

Great travel hack. Thank you! i'll bring some heavy plastic bags. definitely bringing a rain jacket and umbrella.

Last December, I enjoyed this wine and cheese tasting class.

My husband and I also love to picnic. During the winter, it was usually too cold to eat outside, so we would eat our spread in the hotel room, usually at dinner. You still get the fun experience of visiting the shops and making your purchases.

I agree with Pam; be prepared for a some light to moderate rain. Having the right clothes and supplies can turn a dreary day into a fun one. In the words of Cole Porter, "I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles." I know it will be spring, but I couldn't resist throwing in that line :-)

I always have at least one pair of water resistant shoes and spray my coat with waterproofing (and my shoes) before each trip. It always showers in spring and fall.

I looked at the day we arrive and while rain is forecast, it is only forecast for early morning. Of course way too early to know. The weather forecast is usually reliable the day before but notoriously bada week out. I have worried about Guinquette reservations all week and almost cancelled for a Sunday and have it bright and beautiful on that day.

The covered passages are a good way to spend some hours either shopping or eating. They are magical (and dry). Of course, museums are good bet if they are your thing. Personally, I spent one of my favorite days in Paris during all-day rains. Once I got wet, I just didn't car about it and just went café hopping with a friend I met there.

Trash bags are great for rain or shine. The park benches in Paris are covered in bird droppings.

You might think about attending a concert or two. There are many that go on each day in Paris. You can get a list of them by going to the "L'Officiel des Spectacles" website and clicking on concerts. Some of the classical concerts are in churches, which make them especially fun. Peter

Unlikely it's going to rain daily, I'm sure the forecast will change the day you leave...

Just play it by ear. Have alternative things to do in case it rains, but don’t throw the original itinerary out the window because it may rain. Chance are it won’t rain all day every day, or even during the day, so you’ll be able to do all the things you wanted to.

”a pm ballet at Palais Garnier, booked an am. croissant class”

Those are both wonderful, so just sending an encouragement that you will have a wonderful time even if some activities are your Plan B! I took a croissant pastry class with La Cuisine several years ago and continue to make delicious croissants at home now. They are such a great memory reminder of the trips to Paris. Oh, and my favorite souvenir of France is the pastry brush I bought at their class. It’s a huge brush - larger than my hairbrush, with a wooden handle. I’ve never seen one like it in a shop here in the US.

Another activity if it’s raining hard during an evening would be to have a taxi drive you through some of the special scenes of favorite Paris movies. If you especially like photography, the wet pavement makes spectacular evening photos, too.

I lived in the Seattle area for 30 years. Don’t let the rain stop you from enjoying the outdoors, too.

As someone who has lived most of my life (so far) in Western Washington, I have to agree with Jean that the rain shouldn't stop you from being out and about. Unless it's an extended, driving rain or a thunderstorm, I would think a boat trip on the Seine would be fine. They have covered areas, right? A hooded rain jacket will serve you better than an umbrella, especially if there is any wind at all. Some folks use a baseball cap to prop up the hood.
FYI, I was in Amsterdam, London, Cork and Dublin last month, and the forecast was for rain, of course. We only had a light drizzle on our last afternoon/evening in Dublin. Al Roker doesn't always know what he's talking about.

Just a heads up that you are arriving in Paris on the day of the Paris Marathon. It will mean crowds in the right bank and depending on where you are staying and how you are getting in from CDG possibly plan on more time to get in from CDG.
But the weather forecast improves every day and you should only see showers a bit on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.