Pavilion Setting:
The 1/10th size replica of the Eiffel Tower is the most famous (replica) monument in the France Pavilion. The buildings are themed like those found in Paris between 1870 and 1910.
Otherwise known as “La Belle Epoque,” or “The Beautiful Time,” France features a gorgeous courtyard area with a fountain and immaculately maintained gardens.
Attraction Info:
France’s main attraction is an 18-minute film titled “Impressions de France.” Projected onto five large screens, Impressions provides a 200 degree panoramic view of France, its people, and its culture. You’ll experience many of France most popular destinations, including the gardens at Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, and the breathtaking French Alps. Unlike the films at China or Canada, you’ll be able to sit and relax during the air-conditioned show. Ask the cast member at the entrance how long it will be until the next show begins. If it’s more than a few minutes, check out the stores in the meantime. The theater won’t fill up before you return. Impressions is an excellent break from walking around the World Showcase and I would recommend taking the time to view it.
Serveur Amusant is a comedy/acrobatics show scheduled throughout the afternoon in the courtyard area in front of Les Chefs de France. This is a funny and daring show in which the performers build a tower out of chairs and tables and then juggle and do various tricks while standing at the top of their creation. Check your Times Guide for when this 20 minute show starts – the usual schedule is 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, and 4:30pm.
Dining Options: France has among the most plentiful dining options of any World Showcase Pavilion.
Chefs de France is the casual brasserie located on the ground level underneath Monsieur Paul.
The lunch menu includes such favorites as cronque monsieur, quiche lorraine, and crepes.
Dinner brings items like filet of beef, broiled salmon, and beef short ribs.
Monsieur Paul is the upscale, signature restaurant located upstairs.
With limited, picturesque views of World Showcase, white linen tablecloths, and exquisite attention to detail, couples looking for an intimate meal and those looking for the best food at Epcot should look no further.
The Boulangerie Patisserie is the quick service outlet, offering a variety of breads, cheese, sandwiches, soups, and salads, in addition to excellent desserts like creme brulee, napoleons, and macarons.
Tarts and more.
L’artisan des Glaces serves the best ice cream in World Showcase.
They offer a variety of options, including ice cream in a pressed brioche with choice of sauce.
Crepes served with chocolate sauce, ice cream, and more are available from an outdoor kiosk.
Any way you look at it, there’s plenty to eat in France on just about any budget.
Drink Around the World: Along with Mexico and Germany, France is one of the better drinking destinations in the World Showcase. The kiosk in the France Pavilion serves a variety of wines and champagne by the glass, Kronenbourg 1644 beer, and the extremely popular Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush and Grand Mariner Orange Slush. Although not particularly manly drinks, both slushes taste like liquid candy and are particularly good choices in the summer heat. The Kronenbourg 1664 isn’t a particularly good beer, but it’s inoffensive and easy to drink.
For a wider variety of wine options, including a variety of flights, head into the wine store near the entrance to Impressions.
Character Sightings:
Belle greets guests in her blue dress in front of the Pavilion. Princess Aurora meets in a gazebo in the back right corner.
Shopping Opportunities: France is certainly known for its shopping so there shouldn’t be any surprise that there’s plenty to buy in their Pavilion. Guerlain, owned by the Louis Vuitton conglomerate, is the title sponsor and many of their products are available at La Signature. There is also another parfumerie with a variety of other fragrances for men and women.
Expect to find a wide variety of other items as well, including wine, chocolates, designer soap, clothing, miniature Eiffel Towers, and a plethora of other items.
Ratatouille items are also available.
Overall Ratings:
Setting: 8/10
Attractions: 8/10
Dining: 8/10
Drinking: 7/10
Shopping: 8/10
Marie the Cat from Aristocats is another character there.