9 Reasons Why We Love the France Pavilion

Bonjour Disney Fans! It’s time to put on a beret, practice your “Oui, Oui” (pronounced “we, we”), and get ready to explore the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Of the eleven Pavilions around the World Showcase, France is one of our favorites as it stands out in beauty, dining, and entertainment. Here are a few reasons we love the France Pavilion.

1 – Absolutely “Magnifique” Atmosphere!

The France Pavilion is truly a little slice of France in the heart of Florida. The most significant touch of France shines through in the Eifel Tower that stands tall in the distance as the backdrop of the pavilion. Sure, this Eifel Tower is only 1/10 the scale of the actual Eifel Tower in Paris, but it still boasts a grand presence. The pavilion is themed to look like a Paris neighborhood, hence the Eifel Tower off in the distance. The charming fountain is a focal point as you wander the Paris street, with shade trees and bright flowers to greet you. Shops and eateries line the pavilion path making the transformation into France feel complete. We especially love this space during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival when Beauty and Beast topiaries appear in stunning form. A “magnifique” pavilion indeed!

2 – “Fantastique” French Cuisine & Sips

A little croissant here, creme brulee there, and of course a glass of champagne to sip on… oh, yes, Epcot’s France Pavilion shows no mercy on the diet, and we are ok with that! France has six regular eateries (with a 7th on the way!), with typically one to two more available during Epcot’s Festivals.

• Monsieur Paul: First up, we bring you, Monsieur Paul. Monsieur Paul is a fine/signature dining restaurant that holds nothing back when it comes to gourmet dining. The entrees are spectacular, to say the least, and the stunning, white linen atmosphere matches it the overall fine dining experience.
• Chefs de France: The most visible restaurant at the pavilion’s entrance is Chefs de France with its picturesque windows perfect for people watching as guests stroll by. This table-service restaurant is a little more family-friendly than Monsieur Paul, but still that touch of elegance with delicious food.
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie: Les Halles is our favorite France eatery! One look at the display cases of pastries here will leave you in a sugar-coated state of mind. Try a few, try them all – we won’t judge. The quick-service meals and simple sandwich items are fantastic grab and go selections.
• Les Vins des Chefs de France: No food here unless you count the refreshingly popular Orange Slush (Grand Marnier, Rum, and Grey Goose Orange & Orange Juice) as a snack! Les Vins has premium French wines readily available, as well as champagne and beer for a great adult stop.
• L’Artisan des Glaces: No Paris neighborhood would be complete without a local ice cream shop! Ice cream and sorbet awaits for a must-do stop on those hot Florida days.
• Crepes des Chefs de France: This cute kiosk near the World Showcase lagoon typically has a line as Disney fans know this is the place to get a yummy crepe. Mmm… Bon Appetit!
• La Crêperie de Paris: offers both a table-service dining experience and a quick-service stop. Celebrity Chef Jérôme Bocuse is once again working his magic in the kitchen, and his masterpieces are delicious!

3 – Shopping in Paris

A tour of Paris wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping, of course! Four boutiques line the streets in the France Pavilion, each with its own unique gifts and souvenirs.

• Plume et Palette: Designer French bags and fragrances… need we say more? Or have you already left to go shopping?
• La Signature: With a makeup consultant on hand, you’ll have a chance to shop over 70 different French cosmetics and fragrances. You deserve this pampering boutique!
• Les Vins de France: Remember this one from the eateries above? Well, you can have a glass of wine now, but buy a bottle of French wine to take home!
• Souvenirs de France: This shop has the most “practical” Disney-type souvenirs with a Paris twist to many of the items. It’s a great place to get an Epcot France t-shirt, mug, and more to spoil yourself or to bring back for family and friends.

4 – Double the Princesses

Belle and Aurora are available for meet and greets in the France Pavilion! Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, is the most popular Princess to meet as she welcomes guests in her blue, casual dress. Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty is the second Princess in this area who usually arrives at opposite times from her friend, Belle. Aurora may not be as popular as Belle, but she is absolutely stunning in her pink gown. Both Princess sign autographs and pose for photos. Be sure to keep an eye on your MyDisneyExperience App as meet and greet times and locations vary.

5 – AND Double the Films

Impressions de France is a France Pavilion staple! This 18-minute film featuring the beauty and romance of France is a must-do experience for many Disney fans. When rumors of a new film began to creep in, many had much to say about their disapproval of this decision. Lo and behold, there is another film, BUT it did not replace Impressions de France. Instead, both shows run daily on a rotating schedule. So, what’s this second film all about? Well, if you’re a Beauty and the Beast fan (who isn’t, right?!), the France Pavilion just got a whole lot better for you. In the same theater as Impressions de France, a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is a fantastic show for guests of all ages to enjoy. Be prepared to sing along to Beauty and the Beast favorites with an excellent musical score as the story of Belle and Beast is retold. There is, however, a slight twist to the plot, so you’ll have even more to look forward to!

6 – “Tales as Old as Time: French Storytelling on Stage and Screen” Gallery

There is a new exhibit inside Palais du Cinéma that invites guests to explore six distinct gallery cases featuring a collection of costumes, music, artwork and more, all dedicated to the adaptation of French literature in cinema, theater, ballet, and opera. “Tales as Old as Time: French Storytelling on Stage and Screen” reinforces how French literature has inspired artists from around the globe. Timeless Disney classics such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella” and, of course, “Beauty and the Beast,” are highlighted. Items on display from the Walt Disney Archives include a glass slipper from the live-action “Cinderella” film and Belle’s costume from the live-action “Beauty and the Beast.” Community arts organizations from Florida also contributed pieces to the exhibit. When planning on arriving to see “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” be sure to give yourself a few extra minutes to look around at the items in the gallery. The displays are very interesting and well worth a visit!

7 – The Impressive Serveur Amusant

If you aren’t here for the Princesses and films, you’ll definitely want to be there for Serveur Amusant! Take your blood pressure medication first; however, as the French acrobat’s death-defying stunts will have your heart racing. There’s nothing like watching someone climb a towering stack of chairs and remain amusing throughout the performance!

8 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Another new addition to the France Pavilion is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure! A World Showcase Pavilion rarely gets a ride, so, of course, the excitement for this one is abundant. Remy, the sweet, “Little Chef” rat from Disney’s Ratatouille, wants you to join him on an adventure. You’ll feel like you’ve shrunk down to the size of Remy as you are hurried through the twists and turns of Chef Gusteau’s restaurant. Click here to learn more!

9 – Views from the Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is the newest way to get around much of Disney World. Being that it is a gondola-style transportation system, it has gorgeous views as guests are transported to and from locations including Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. One of the main Skyliner stations drops off and picks up just outside of Epcot. This station is located just across the water from the France Pavilion. The Skyliner’s views on France capture the pavilion’s beauty from an aerial view!

There is no shortage of reasons to love the France Pavilion now and even more as these newbies open. We must say “Au revoir” for now, but we hope to bump into you along the streets of Epcot’s mini-Paris!