MyWDW: France Pavilion

One of the opening day World Showcase pavilions, the France Pavilion is designed to resemble a neighborhood in Paris along the Seine, with artists offering their works to tourists, and the smell of delicious French cuisine in the air, the Eiffel Tower in view in the distance. Elegant gardens and fountains lead you further back into the pavilion's alleyways, leading to more shops and the Boulangerie Patisserie.

Throughout the day, a pair of comedic acrobats show their skills building towers of chairs and standing atop them in a comedy routine, Serveur Amusant, in front of the Chefs de France restaurant,. Disney characters such as Belle, the Beast, Cinderella, and Marie from the Aristocats make appearances along the cobblestone streets for meet and greet opportunities.

A travelogue, Impressions de France, plays in the theater towards the back of the pavilion - showing beautiful vistas of French countryside and the sights of Paris, all set to the music of French composers such as Claude Debussy and Camille Saint-Saëns. The show offers a chance to sit in the air conditioning, so if the lovely images of France don't get your attention, on a hot day at Epcot, that should certainly be enough to tempt you.

For those seeking to shop, the France Pavilion features Plume et Palette, a parfumerie offering scents by Escada, Chanel, Guerlain, and others. If it's France's finest wines you seek, make your way to La Maison du Vin, where you can sample the wines offered and take your favorite home with you. In the furthest back alleyway, near the Boulangerie Patisserie, you can find Souvenirs de France, where you can purchase the more standard souvenirs of France, such as berets and models of the Eiffel Tower, amongst other French items.

Of course, with France being as famous as it is for its food, the France Pavilion at Epcot provides a number of options for dining as well as snacks. If you are not looking for a full service sit down affair, you'll want to head to the back of the pavilion to the Boulangerie Patisserie to get a chocolate eclair or souffle, or if you are in the mood for something more savory, they also have quiches and cheese platters. There is also a wine shop and a crepe stand for those looking to enjoy the best of French wineries or a quick snack.

For those looking for something a bit more substantial, Chefs de France offers a pleasant, casual sit down experience, with French favorites like cassolette d'escargots and quiche lorraine. If you're lucky, you may even get an audience with the chef - Remy from the Disney-Pixar film Ratatouille.

Finally, if you are looking for the most elegant of French cuisine, you may wish to book reservations at Bistro de Paris, located in the upstairs of Chefs de France. Featuring finer fare, Bistro de Paris is one of Walt Disney World's signature dining experiences, and as such requires guests to adhere to a dress code.

No matter which experience you choose, it's certain that you'll be delighted with the meals presented to you by Disney's French chefs!

- In the elaborate designs of the gardens in the France Pavilion, look for a shrub trimmed into a familiar three-circle shape!

- At the doors to Les Vins de Paris, you can find a familiar American friend in the curls of the molding.