Everyone dreams of visiting Paris. The south of France is also lovely this time of year, whatever time that is, because the south of France is always lovely. Still, the cost of international airfare is outrageous. Also, it’s not the comfiest flight, and you lose roughly two days of your vacation time on travel. Plus, there’s the jet lag. You know what? It’s much easier to go to a reasonable facsimile of the country instead, and the best one is at Walt Disney World. Here are six reasons why you should visit the France Pavilion.
The design
Image: DisneyWhen you close your eyes and think of Paris, what’s the first thing that springs to mind? Yup, it’s the Eiffel Tower. If you think a bit harder, you’ll begin to visualize an idyllic hilltop in the south of France, someplace where you can spend the afternoon shopping downtown then eat a picnic in the woods. Disney’s Imagineers envisioned the same thing, which explains why the France Pavilion has two styles.
Image: DisneyFrom a distance, you’ll see the wienie, the eye-grabber that draws your attention to the pavilion. That structure is a replica of the Eiffel Tower. As you approach this part of the World Showcase, you’ll appreciate the second style. That’s the intimate French village design. Disney uses the Eiffel Tower in a clever way, with a different kind of forced perspective. It’s always off in the distance, no matter where you are in the park. That includes the pavilion itself.
Image: DisneyWhen you enter the France Pavilion, the Eiffel Tower remains in the background rather than something near. The conceit is that you’re in a village close enough to see the landmark but not near enough to approach it. And the village is quaint enough that you’ll want to spend the full day there anyway. Besides, you wouldn’t want to approach the tower anyway, as that would break the illusion. Disney lovingly constructed their version using the actual blueprints…but it’s only 10 percent of the size of the real thing!
Image: DIsneyThe design of the France Pavilion is more about the concept of From Paris with Love. Better than any other pavilion at the World Showcase, it recreates the sensation of actually being in the applicable country. The water fountain, the tables and chairs, and the building designs all reinforce that hospitable vibe. You’re a tourist in a village that’s very much French in style, only kinder to strangers.
The food
Image: DisneyOh, baby. When you’re hungry, the France Pavilion is the place to go. There’s a reason why the world’s finest chefs flock to France to learn how to cook. French food is viewed as the ultimate in haute cuisine, and Disney stocks the pavilion with so many delicious options.
Image: DisneyLet’s start with the lightest fare, L’Artisan des Glaces. You don’t need a translator to know that’s an ice cream treat. Specifically, it’s the finest artisanal ice cream available at Walt Disney World. You’ll definitely want to try some. At Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, French sweets are on the menu, but they also serve baguettes and light entrees like Croque Monsieur and Bisque de Homard.
Image: DisneyThe France Pavilion has two primary sit-down restaurants. Choosing the best one is a matter of personal preference, but each is among the highest ranked at Epcot. Chefs de France is the Table Service restaurant, which is to say that it’s the cheaper (!) option. That’s a scary thought since entrees here are generally $30 or more.
Still, you get what you pay for: a realistic French dining experience. I mean the utmost in realism. Many of the waiters here are even un-Disney-like in their snooty behavior, which is annoying but adds to the theming. Also, the food is worth the aggravation. The cheeseboard here is probably my favorite at Walt Disney World and the Beef Bourguignon is divine.
Image: DisneyI’m actually a huge fan of Chefs de France, which makes the following statement more meaningful. The BEST restaurant at the France Pavilion is Monsieur Paul, and everyone knows it. Named after legendary French chef, Paul Bocuse, the menu here is one befitting his name. Bocuse invented the Bocuse d’Or, the cooking equivalent of the World Cup. He is possibly the most accredited living chef, and his son has overseen daily operations of this restaurant since it opened. You won’t find a more authentic French meal in North America, and I include Eric Ripert’s restaurants in that.
Monsieur Paul is a celebratory meal staple for Disney guests, and its prices reflect that fact. It is a Signature Dining experience, meaning that it costs two Table Service credits per person on the Disney dining plan. The Pre Fixe Menu is $89, which tells the tale. You’ll eat here on special occasions or when you want to impress a date. It even has a dress code to ensure that the experience is elegant and refined. This restaurant should be on your Disney dining bucket list due to the quality of the food and the ambience of the establishment. It’s one of the best overall meals at Walt Disney World.
The wine
Image: DisneyDo you love wine? Then, the name you need to know is La Maison du Vin. Frequent Epcot visitors are nodding their heads emphatically right now. The reputation of this store is among the best at Walt Disney World. Frankly, only the Italy Pavilion has wines on a par with what you’ll find here.
La Maison du Vin is an odd business by Epcot standards. It’s more of a retailer than a wine bar. You can purchase several authentic French wines by the bottle to pack up for your trip home. You can also buy wine glasses along with barware and kitchenware. You can also order wine by the glass for those occasions when you don’t want to wait until you get home. The store also frequently hosts wine tastings.
The attraction
Image: DisneyIn recent years, fans of the World Showcase have generally ignored the movies available at the various pavilions. Impressions de France should be the exception to that rule. When you can’t actually visit France, this film is the serviceable substitute. You’ll enjoy unprecedented views of the French Alps, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles. It’s also much less of a travelogue than the others at Epcot. Several noted Disney writers and analysts view it as the best of the Circle-Vision films. Even if you ignore the others, take the time to watch Impressions de France.
The character meetings
Image: DisneyDisney currently hosts a pair of character meetings at the France Pavilion. Princess Aurora, the titular Sleeping Beauty, loves to meet new friends in the Gazebo. You’ll find it on the right side of the pavilion, almost at the end.
On the World Showcase Lagoon side, you’ll find the more popular character meeting. Belle, one of the most beloved Disney Princesses, hangs out here. She even wears her famous blue and white peasant dress from the movie(s). You can interact with her as if you were in the movie!
Marie from The Aristocats used to hold a character meeting here, but it’s not currently available. Her outfit is adorable, though. Should you ever pull up the My Disney Experience app and see that she’s back, you’ll want to prioritize this encounter. In the meantime, you can find plenty of Marie apparel at…
The shops
Image: DisneyFrom a distance, you won’t fully appreciate the number of shops at the France Pavilion. Many of them are tucked away toward the back in a hidden alcove. You’ll want to make the effort to look for these shops, as they’re adorable and absolutely French in the best possible way.
Image: DisneyPlume et Palette is a charming store from the outside that features some of France’s most luxurious beauty and cosmetics products. You’ll find Givenchy products for sale here, too. It’s connected to La Signature via a passageway that resembles a metro station. At La Signature, you’ll find exclusive French brands like Guerlain.
Image: DisneyLa Casserole sells wonderful items such as Limoges porcelain and crystal. Galerie des Halles is a souvenir shop highlighted by work from French impressionists, although it also has some delightful Disney merchandise on sale. You’ll also find some Disney and French art here. Overall, you’ll feel shocked at home many imported items will make you feel like you actually went to France.
Image: Disney
