EPCOT has 11 pavilions that showcase different countries around the world, each one unique and offering up cultural food, drinks, and shopping. It can be overwhelming knowing where the best spots are to eat and drink, what you need to see, and what you can skip. Over the next few weeks, I will feature one pavilion a week and show you Insiders what there is to see and do and eat in each country. It will be so much fun, and I can’t wait to take all of you Insiders on this exploration! So far, we have explored Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure (U.S.), Japan, Morocco, and now…France!
Oui, oui, now we’re in France, and the dinner here is never second best! France is known to be one of the most romantic countries in the world due to their impeccable dining, gorgeous architecture and atmosphere, shopping, and so much more. And of course, with there being several Disney films that take place in France, such as Beauty and the Beast and Ratatouille, guests have so much to look forward to in this pavilion!
Dining
French dining can be a little adventurous, but hey, you’re in Paris! If you’re holding your appetite out for some exquisite French dining, you’ll want to try to snag a reservation at Chefs de France. This family-friendly brasserie gives fantastic views of the World Showcase promenade. This charming cafe features high ceilings, intricate mosaic flooring, and expansive windows looking out onto the promenade. Here you can enjoy fresh and simple ingredients, and the menu changes seasonally; you may include such delicacies as beef tenderloin, classic onion soup, and roasted duck with cherries. If you’re over 21 years of age, consider pairing your entrée with a selection from the extensive list of imported French wines. To finish your meal, try the Chefs de France signature crème brûlée or the tarte au chocolat.
Another sit-down dining option that serves up some absolutely delicious food is La Crêperie de Paris. This restaurant features the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, the mastermind behind two beloved restaurants in the France Pavilion at EPCOT: Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. This spot serves up savory buckwheat galettes featuring ingredients like chicken, salmon, ham, or vegetables, along with various cheeses. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with a crêpe featuring delicious options like fruit, whipped cream, hazelnut chocolate spread, or caramel beurre salé. They also offer authentic French hard cider—a refreshing accompaniment to your meal!
If you’re looking for something a little more casual and low-key, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is a French bakery serving up some delectable treats and tempting delicacies. You will have plenty of items to sample, from soups and salads to fresh baguette sandwiches and pastries, wine, champagne, beer, and gourmet coffees. Bon appétit!
One French food I absolutely j’adore is crêpes (inspired by the Brittany region of France). You can make them sweet and savory or more hearty and get creative with the toppings. If you now have a craving for some of these, next time you’re in the French pavilion, head over to Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperrrie de Paris. Here you will find both sweet and savory crêpes, ice cream, hard ciders, sparkling drinks, wine, and soft drinks.
For those of you that want dessert and have a craving for ice cream (especially on those hot Florida days!), L’Artisan des Glaces is a tantalizing artisanal French shop that offers a flavorful variety of handcrafted frozen treats, including ice cream and sorbet.
Attractions
One of the newest attractions, and already one of the most beloved in EPCOT, is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This ride will make you feel like you’ve shrunk down to Chef Remy’s size, and you will go for a 4D culinary adventure based on the Disney and Pixar film Ratatouille. Join Chef Remy on a daring culinary caper that will captivate all your senses as you zip, dash and scurry through the bustling kitchen, dining room, and walls of Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant. C’est magnifique!
Another favorite attraction at the French pavilion is the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. Of course, all the songs from the classic animated film are loved by everyone of all ages. Step into some of the world’s most enchanting stories at the Palais du Cinema. You’ll explore six distinct gallery cases honoring the costumes, music, and artwork that brought French literature to life through cinema, theater, ballet, and opera. Catch a glimpse of how these stories inspired artists from around the globe, including those who created such timeless Disney classics as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and—of course—Beauty and the Beast. As Belle and the Beast’s love story unfolds before your eyes, tap your toes and sing along to the songs you know and love, like Be Our Guest and Gaston.
Impressions de France is the last attraction you can enjoy at the France pavilion. Be transported to another time and place, a land of princesses and enchanted castles, as the Loire Valley and its magnificent chateaux appear in a stunning 200-degree widescreen view. Disney describes this enchanting attraction:
On your virtual journey, ride along with horsemen and hunting dogs in the Cheverny Forest, reflect on the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, visit a bustling marketplace in Normandy and see vintners and cognac makers at work.
Watch Bugattis racing in Cannes, hot-air balloons floating along the Loire, and celebrate Bastille Day in grand Gallic fashion as you listen to an emotional soundtrack by French composers like Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Paul Dukas.
Their joie de vivre leaves an indelible impression
Shopping
Imagine shopping in France and combining that experience with some Disney magic…sounds pretty amazing, right? At the France pavilion, that dream definitely comes true! Shop your heart away at Plume et Palette; step out of the “Paris Metro” and into designer French bags and fragrances from Le Tanneur, Dior, Thierry Mugler, and more. Oo la la!
At Les Vins de France, you can try French wine by the glass, purchase a bottle, or browse a world-class selection of wines and accessories.
Souvenirs de France has a selection of berets, little Eiffle Towers, guidebooks, travel posters, and toys.
The France pavilion is enchanting both day and night, and you will be able to spend hours here enjoying everything this pavilion has to offer. Also, be sure to keep an eye out because sometimes Belle will make an appearance in this pavilion!
Be sure to stay tuned for next week because I will be taking you on an exploration of the next pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT-the United Kingdom!
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