Paris, France - Exploring

April 30, 2026

We explored the area around the hotel today after making the switch for our booked room for the extra night to the room with Viking.

Here is the view from our new room.

Today we explored the area around the hotel.

I had thought this metallic structure was some a sculpture or monument. It turns out that it is actually student housing! The Irene Joliot-Curie Student Residence stands out as an excellent example of contemporary French architecture by the way it makes the best use of a small space.

The bell tower of the Eglise Sainte-Odile caught my attention several blocks away. It is one of the tallest bell towers in Paris. As we neared, we were able to admire its art deco structure and amazing entrance, an impressive structure sculpted by Anne-Marie Roux-Colas. Designed by Jacques Barge, it was part of a 1930's movement to build more churches in Paris. However, the outbreak of World War II delayed its construction.

Next to the church was a small park where we relaxed.

On the way back to the hotel, we shared a raclette chicken sandwich at McDonald's. Upon returning to the hotel, we explored their shopping mall and bought some macaron's at the supermarket.