The France Pavilion is a cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can experience the art, cuisine and the charm of France. Be transported across the Atlantic and travel the streets of Paris and the provinces of France during an era known as La Belle Epoque, or "the beautiful time." Beautiful gardens, quaint shops and architecture full of character, along with a scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower, suggest an air of French life.
The France pavilion is themed to look like a Paris neighborhood with a pool and fountains and with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Most of the shops on the streets are actual shops selling French goods such as Guerlain perfume. France's cities and historical structures. It also includes two French restaurants, the Bistro de Paris and Les Chefs de France, and a bakery, the Boulangerie Patisserie.
When you approach France from the United Kingdom, you stroll over the Pont des Arts inspired footbridge. This spot is reminiscent of the the Seine waterfront, complete with flower carts and streetside artists. The center fountain is a great place to sit, relax and people watch. Throughout the day the "Serveur Amusant" acrobats perform. It's a fun show where the the two talented performers build a tower out of chairs and balance on top. The 'streets' are lined in cobblestones and as you explore the pavilion, you'll hear romantic tunes being played. Speaking of romance, there's no greater love than the Beauty and the Beast. You'll often find Belle and her fur covered man meeting and greeting guests in the gardens. There are several carts scattered around. You can shop for souvenirs, get a made to order crepe or visit the wine kiosk which has fantastic Grey Goose vodka and Grand Marnier slushies.
Attractions
As with many of the pavilions located within the World Showcase section of the Epcot park, a key aspect of the France pavilion is its attraction. In this case, the attraction is a panoramic film entitled "Impressions de France." In addition to the "Impressions de France" film, the France pavilion is also one of the many themed land participants in the "Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure."
Impressions de France
Impressions de France is an 18-minute movie about France projected onto 5 adjacent screens. Embark on a virtual tour of France during a screening of Impressions de France, a panoramic movie for Guests of all ages that celebrates the history and pagentry of France. Boasting an expansive 200-degree widescreen view, Impressions de France invites you to follow race cars in Cannes, sailboats on the Seine and mountain climbers amidst the French Alps. Gorgeous aerial shots take you to many of France's finest tour stops, including the colorful gardens at Versailles, the sun-kissed beaches at Cannes and the top of the elegant Eiffel Tower. It's the closest thing to actually being there! Impressions de France includes a classical soundtrack that features the music of such famous French composers as Claude Debussy, Camille Saint Saens and Francois-Adrien Boieldieu-performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
Street Performers
Belle, Beast, and Gaston from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which was partly inspired by the version by French filmmaker Jean Cocteau, make appearances at the France Pavilion. Other characters with French backgrounds, such as those from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Aristocats also appear frequently, as do Princess Aurora & Marie. Here you will also find the comedy juggler show "Serveur Amusant." Also adding to the themed land's atmosphere are advertisements for Disneyland Paris and souvenirs featuring it.
Touring Tips
- Impressions de France is a must-see on your Epcot Attraction List. Relax in the air-conditioned theater and enjoy the wonderful music and scenery.
- Impressions de France screens throughout the day at the Palais de Cinema, which includes seats for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to check the Times Guide at Epcot for showtimes.
- Serveur Amusant, a comical waiter/juggler performs 20 minute shows usually Wednesday thru Sunday.
- Stop in Vins De France to learn about French Wines. You can sample them for the price of a souvenir glass.
- Holidays from Around the World features storytellers in each country. France, Pere Noel (Santa Claus) makes appearances throughout the afternoon.
- Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast have Character Meet and Greets in France.
Dining
Les Chefs de France - The Chefs de France Restaurant is patterned after a Parisian brasserie. It's ringed with windows where you can watch the hustle and bustle outside while enjoying a leisurely, delicious meal. As with most Epcot restaurants, you can anticipate a upscale dining experience while dressed in your casual garb. Crisp white linens, elegant surroundings, fine French cuisine and attentive service combine to make Chefs de France a popular dining choice. This is one of Epcot's overlooked gems. Many of the tables overlook the 'streets' of France and give you a bird's eye view of the comings and goings while you enjoy your delicious meal. The tables are covered in crisp white linens, the interior is light and airy and the service is always top notch.
Bistro de Paris - The Bistro de Paris Restaurant is the upscale choice of dining venues in France. This elegant restaurant is located on the second floor and is only open for dinner. Prepare for a gourmet dining experience when selecting the Bistro.There is a "Resort Casual" dress code. It is requested that tank tops not be worn. There is no Children's Menu. This is an upscale restaurant that is only open for dinner. If 'elegance' is something you seek, this gourmet spot is one to consider. (There is a dress code.)
Boulangerie Patisserie - At the Boulangerie Patisserie, You'll find cookies, croissants, eclairs, mousse, palmier ("Elephant ear" pastry), quiche, cheesecake, souffle, tarts, cheese platters and sandwiches accompanied by French roast coffee. Get an IllumiNations spot and send one of your group here for coffee and pastries to bring back! Be sure to get a good whiff of the baked goods smell that is piped out of the shop.
Shopping
Souvenirs de France - Carries the typical type of French souvenir like the beret, miniature Eiffel Tower, t-shirt, and the Paris purse. The more interesting items are the many books on French artists, cities, and the language itself, and the infant toys by Latitude Enfant.
Galerie Des Halles - Parisian Impressionist souvenirs.
La Casserole - Dinnerware, tabletops, decorative items from Southern France.
La Signature - Personal accessories, perfumes. Guerlain cosmetics. Inside the shop near the back where it opens onto a passageway is a staircase to the second level of the shop. Up the staircase and around the open second floor are a collection of pictures and signed documents by famous people. For example, they have documents signed by Charles de Gaulle, Albert Schweizer, Jules Verne, Sarah Bernhard, Pablo Picaso and others. Each is framed with a picture of the individual or in the case of some of the artists, a miniature of one of their art works. They are all for sale, the most expensive being the Jules Verne at $6000.
Les Vins De France - B&G wines and accessories. Wine-tasting, cost includes souvenir wine glass. At "La Maison du Vin", guests can sample wines (for a fee) and purchase their favorite French wines along with a variety of wine accessories. Maxim's de Paris chocolates, cookies, Marat D'Avignon kitchen linens, soaps by E.Barret & Co., and Emile Henry cookware are other items offered in this store.
Plume Et Palette - Designer fragrances. There are an abundance of shops, and merchandise, to choose from in the pavilion of France. Perfumes and colognes are the featured items in the "Plume et Palette". Chanel, Escada, Givenchy, and Lacoste can be found as well as two Parisian perfumiers, Jean Patou and Annick Goutal. The "Guerlain" signature store not only features fragrances but has their full line of cosmetics.
Facts
- The park bordering the canal along the right side of the pavilion was inspired by the famous painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by pointillist artist Georges Seurat.
- The landscape here has a single objective: to reflect an urban ambiance, particularly springtime in Paris. Street trees along the central boulevard are positioned and pruned to enhance the illusion of distance. Planters in this area reveal pastel mixes of flowers, lending an impressionistic flavor and reinforcing the theme.
- The Eiffel Tower is an example of Forced Perspective. The one-tenth replica of the Eiffel Tower was constructed using Gustav Eiffel's original blueprints. If you looked at the Eiffel Tower today as it stands in Paris, it would have similar coloring to the Statue of Liberty in New York. However, here in Epcot, the Eiffel Tower is more tan and pinkish. The reason is the France Pavilion here represents the late 1800s and the Eiffel Tower is the same color it would have been then.
History
Epcot's France pavilion celebrated the opening of its redesigned La Signature shop on July 26, 2007 with a ceremony attended by executives of the perfumer Guerlain, Inc. La Signature has been remodeled as a Haute Perfumery patterned after the original La Maison Guerlain flagship boutique on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. As a Haute Perfumery, La Signature carries exclusive and limited-edition specialty fragrances for men and women, including the new L'Art et la Matiere collection and the vintage Les Parisiennes collection.
Hidden Mickey
- here is a single profile of Mickey multiple places in the grillworks in the France pavilion. The grillworks are across from the Librairie et Galerie room and elsewhere in that building. They are easily seen in such places as the stairway to the off-limits second floor.
- Check out the grates at the base of the trees.