Five Things to Know About the France Pavilion in EPCOT

We think the France Pavilion in the World Showcase c’est magnifique! From delicious food and treats to the ambiance and an amazingly fun attraction, it’s got everything that makes a pavilion visit memorable. No wonder it’s one of the places rope-droppers run for!

1. The architecture will transport you across the pond.

Located between the Morocco and United Kingdom Pavilions, France is incredibly immersive. One of the original nine World Showcase pavilions, the intent was not to replicate France. Instead, Imagineers and French cultural consultants, including architects, historians, and government officials, aimed to evoke the romance and timeless beauty of Paris.

The buildings feature mansard roofs, wrought iron balconies, and limestone facades. And as you might expect, the Imagineers built in plenty of authentic detail. The result: an idealized version of the City of Light. And for my money, it’s one of the most successful efforts in the entire showcase.

You’ll enter from a plaza with a fountain inspired by Place des Vosges. Shrubs and trees line the street, intended to make you feel as if you’re strolling along the banks of the Seine. The main boulevard suggests the Rue de Paris, complete with cobblestone streets, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The wienie here is a scaled-down Eiffel Tower atop one of the buildings. It seems to be actual size thanks to the trick of forced perspective, but it’s actually 1/10 scale. Toward the back of the Pavilion, gardens inspired by those at Versailles offer a peaceful and beautiful place to escape the crowds.

A recent expansion to the pavilion is the promenade to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This area is inspired by Montmartre, so the buildings have more colorful – though not cartoony – facades, to set the mood for fun. There is a fountain, of course. And the Art Nouveau-style wrought iron archway that leads to the queue for the ride is a work of art in itself.

Contributing to the romanticism of the pavilion is music playing everywhere. And at night, subtle and beautiful lighting really makes the France pavilion magical. In all, the France Pavilion creates a desire to linger when you visit – sipping wine, enjoying a pastry, pausing on a bench to linger and people watch. This idealized France feels authentic, romantic, and – is it overreaching if I say enchanted? – all at the same time. Can you tell I love this place?

2. You can ride the rat!

The France pavilion isn’t just strolling and lingering – there’s a lot to do here! The big attraction is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. You shrink down to the size of Remy himself and race through Gusteau’s Paris restaurant. Thanks to state-of-the-art projection technology and special effects, you get sprinkled with water as you dodge mop buckets, feel the heat as you pass under hot stoves, and generally enjoy the chaos of every scene.

Inside the main pavilion is Palais du Cinéma. Two films alternate here, so check My Disney Experience for hours and showings. Impressions de France is one of EPCOT’s original films and still every bit as wonderful as the day it debuted. Shown on a 200-degree widescreen, this 18-minute travelogue takes guests on a panoramic tour of France. The musical score was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and features the works of French composers, including Debussy and Saint-Saëns.

The same theater hosts the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. This version has on-screen lyrics so guests can sing along to their favorites from the film. The theater’s gallery is home to the Tales As Old As Time: French Storytelling on Stage and Screen exhibit. Six gallery cases feature the costumes, music and artwork that brought French literature to life through the disciplines of cinema, theater, ballet, and opera.

This is also the place to meet Belle (of course) and Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Again, check MDE for times. And just like the other pavilions in the World Showcase, France has a Kidcot Fun Stop. The littles can add a France activity card to their collection; pick it up in the Souvenirs de France shop.

3. You can taste the best France has to offer.

The France Pavilion offers a wide variety of dining and snacking options. Whether you want a baguette, a sweet treat, or a full-service meal, the options here capture the essence of French cuisine.

Chefs de France is a casual Table Service restaurant with the ambiance of an elegant bistro. The menu offers classic French fare such as boeuf bourguignon, onion soup gratinée, and crème brûlée. But my favorite part of dining here is the large windows that allow you to enjoy the parade of people on the promenade while you eat.

For a more upscale experience, choose Monsieur Paul. This Signature Dining venue is upstairs, above Chefs de France. The prix-fixe gourmet menu includes specialties like escargots and rack of lamb. And the desserts are stuff to dream about. Reservations are highly recommended, but if you want a special occasion meal, this refined setting is the place.

Want to sit down and enjoy a crêpe? La Crêperie de Paris is the spot for you. Serving both savory and sweet crêpes, the menu even has cider pairings to complement the Brittany-style crêpes. The adjoining walk-up window, Crêpes À Emporter, is perfect if you want a quick treat without a sit-down meal. It offers savory galettes filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, or egg, and sweet crêpes with sugar, chocolate, or fruit fillings. Can’t choose? Get both!

At the back of the Pavilion, you’ll find Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. The offerings include an impressive selection of pastries, quiches, sandwiches, and desserts. I usually get the croissant jambon fromage (ham and cheese croissant), but other popular items are the eclairs, macarons, and tarts. (My friend Jennie loves to get pastries while waiting for Luminous to start and take them back to her room for breakfast the next morning.)

One of my favorite memories is enjoying a treat from L’Artisan des Glaces while waiting in line to ride Remy. Handcrafted French ice cream and sorbet comes in a cone or cup – or even pressed between brioche as a warm ice cream sandwich! And on top of the bounteous choices above, the France Pavilion has a few carts and kiosks offering champagne, wine, and specialty cocktails.

4. The shopping is merveilleux!

This pavilion’s boutiques are filled with authentic French goods. For luxury fragrances and designer French bags, visit the Plume et Palette (literally “feather and palette”). The elegant décor and attention to detail make it feel like a boutique tucked away on the Champs-Élysées. You can check out well-known brands like Le Tanneur, Dior, and Thierry Mugler.

Next door, La Signature continues the luxury theme with a focus on skincare and beauty products. There are more than 70 different French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. If you want, and your touring schedule allows, you can enjoy a makeup consultation, too.

Souvenirs de France offers a selection of French-themed apparel, kitchenware, books, and toys. This is where you’ll find Disney merchandise featuring characters like Belle and Remy. If you’re looking for French-inspired home décor, cookbooks, and kitchenware, L’Esprit de la Provence fills the bill. The lavender soap and bath products will bring the scents of visiting Provence to your home. Last but not least, Les Vins de France is a wine shop. Tastings are available, and you can buy wine by the glass or bottle.

5. France has a few secrets and fun facts, too.

⭐ The pavilion uses ambient audio design to enhance the feeling that you’re in Paris. Listen and you’ll hear faint accordion music, snippets of conversation, and café sounds. It’s all quietly layered together to suggest an actual Parisian street.

⭐ Before the Ratatouille attraction opened, a tiny animatronic Remy made appearances inside Les Chefs de France. From 2009–2013, he was wheeled out under a silver dome on a serving cart, and would “squeak” and move.

⭐ Hidden Mickeys abound here. The best thing to do is keep your eyes peeled as you shop or walk, or eat. I’ll give away one: if you’re in L’esprit de la Provence check out the hanging copper pots.

The Bottom Line.

I make no secret of the fact that I’m a hopeless romantic. That’s why the France pavilion is my favorite. But it’s also the favorite of so many other guests who visit the World Showcase – and for good reason. Stay after dark, stroll the streets, listen to the music, and enjoy some wine. Watch the people from a bench – it just doesn’t get much better than this anywhere else at Walt Disney World.

Have you visited the France Pavilion in World Showcase? What’s your favorite thing about it? Let us know in the comments!