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7 Things You Will Love About Epcot’s France Pavilion In Walt Disney World

Strolling through Epcot’s World Showcase, the uplifting music first signals guests’ arrival at the France pavilion, enticing them to slow down and experience the many pleasures waiting inside. Here guests will find the France that existed around the time of the late 1800s to the early 1900s, La Belle Epoque. From the replica Eiffel Tower, beautiful gardens, quaint shops, enchanting restaurants, beloved characters, and amusing entertainment, the France pavilion has something for everyone. It’s easy to spend hours and hours here, caught up in the romantic atmosphere mixed with flower carts, delicious food, artists, and waterfront vendors. Here are a few of the reasons guests will love what the France pavilion has to offer.

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1. Impressions de France

Stop by the Palais du Cinema and take a seat in the comfortable, air-conditioned theater to become familiar with the beauty of the French landscape. The theater shows a short movie highlighting the many beautiful regions of the country, including both famous cities and the picturesque countryside, set to an impressive classical soundtrack. Unlike some of the other movies shown in Epcot’s World Showcase, Impressions de France gives guests a chance to sit down and relax while enjoying the show.

2. Outdoor Entertainment

During your time in the France pavilion, be sure to catch Serveur Amusant, a funny waiter who performs amazing juggling feats. The show lasts about 20 minutes and is performed outside. Another not-to-miss act is Sleeping Beauty’s lovely Princess Aurora, who greets her guests in the gazebo far to the right in the France pavilion.

3. Dining

France does not disappoint when it comes to dining choices. A relatively new eatery in the France pavilion is Boulangerie Paitisserie les Halles. This large bakery offers guests tasty pastries like croissants, mousses, macarons, tarts, and eclairs. Other choices include many types of sandwiches, soups, salads, and traditional French fare like the Croque Monsieur and pissaladiere. As an added plus, the bakery is open for breakfast at 9 a.m., although the rest of World Showcase doesn’t open until 11:00 a.m. If you’re in the mood for ice cream or sorbet, L’Artisan des Glaces should be on your list. Here you will find 16 different flavors of ice cream, all made with fresh ingredients. Several different kinds of sorbet are also available. Ask for your treat in a cup or a cone. For table service dining, check out Chefs de France. Guests enjoy dishes created by three famous chefs in a brasserie setting. Menu offerings include French onion soup, duck, beef dishes, and several seafood specialties. Another more formal choice is Monsieur Paul, located upstairs from Chefs de France. This elegant table-service restaurant offers a Prix Fixe menu or individual entrees. Selections include red snapper, lamb, Chicken Napoleon “Cordon Bleu, and beef tenderloin. This restaurant has a more formal dress code (no flip flops or tank tops) and replaced Bistro de Paris several years ago.

4. Shops

The France Pavilion has some of the best shops in the World Showcase. Wandering through the quaint buildings, guests can buy soaps, cosmetics, Eiffel Tower and other Parisian souvenirs. Other items for sale include chocolates, fine linens, and well-known perfumes. Wine, wineglasses, and other accessories are also for sale.

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5. Adult Beverages

Wine and France go hand in hand. Wine tasting is offered and a variety of wine and accessories are available for purchase. Don’t forget to try the kiosks that offer Grand Marnier and Grey Goose vodka slushies, both of which are refreshing and delicious choices to enjoy as you walk around the pavilion or enjoy a pastry.

6. Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Although this activity is available in several of the countries in Epcot’s World Showcase, the adventure in France is one of the best. Based on the Disney Channel’s hit TV show “Phineas and Ferb”, participants team up with Agent P to defeat the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz by using an interactive mobile device. The device instructs players to unlock clues in designated World Showcase pavilions. The mission in Epcot’s France pavilion has participants looking for clues inside the Impressions de France theater, synching up with the replica Eiffel Tower for a fun visual effect, and investigating a perfume bottle for a secret message.

7. The Fountains

The miniature streets, architecture, café tables, and other details all make this pavilion not to miss. However, the beautiful fountains in the middle of the France pavilion perfectly capture the heart of a visit to France. They provide a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a drink or treat, or just admire the beauty of the surrounding area. The picturesque fountains are a fantastic backdrop to capture a memory of your visit, and Disney photographers are usually present to take your picture. The fountains are even more beautiful lighted up in the evening, when the entire France pavilion seems to twinkle in the night sky.

About Melissa Fegely

I have been a professional writer for over 18 years with degrees in Biology and English. I am a lifelong Disney fan and a Disney Vacation Club member of over nine years. Having visited Walt Disney World several times growing up, I really caught the Disney bug after many trips with my husband. Now I am happily addicted to taking our son to Walt Disney World as often as possible and watching him experience the magic and Mickey Bars as he grows up. Traveling to Walt Disney World twice a year, I enjoy attending the Flower and Garden festival held in the spring and strolling around the World Showcase, as well as exploring all of the hidden gems that all four parks have to offer. I love helping my family and friends plan their next Disney trips based on my experiences. I also enjoy reading, swimming, traveling, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, attended Shippensburg University, and current live in suburban Philadelphia with my husband, son, and two cats.