Spotlight: France Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase
Just across the bridge from the United Kingdom is the romantic pavilion of France. Though it may not seem like there is much of it on the surface, past the fountains and shrubbery lies the best little bakery, unique ice cream flavors, fine dining, and amazing opportunities to meet classic Disney Princesses.
L’Artisan Des Glaces
This delectable ice cream and sorbet shop, gives you the feeling of being completely engulfed in France. Located far within the land of France, these frozen treats are something to really indulge in. There are flavors that are a little off-the-wall so take the time to sample it before purchasing a single or double scoop! Here is a look at the flavors they have to offer: (full menu available at: L’Artisan des Glaces)
Caramel Fleur de Sel Ice Cream
Coffee Ice Cream
Cinnamon with Caramelized Pecan Ice Cream
Cinnamon with Caramelized Apple and Crumble Crunch Ice Cream
Chocolate Ice Cream
Coco-white Chocolate Ice Cream
Mint-Chocolate Ice Cream
Vanilla Ice Cream
Milk Chocolate and Orange Ice Cream
Lemon Sorbet
Mango Sorbet
Mixed Berry Sorbet
Strawberry Sorbet
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
This bakery is tucked away in the France pavilion just past L’Artisan Des Glaces. It is connected to a small shop featuring berets, small Eiffel Towers, and merchandise of French Disney Princesses Belle and Aurora! With an array of choices, this bakery can provide the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dessert depending on your mood! This is a must on every Disney vacation. My mother cannot start a day in Epcot without indulging in the morning Napoleon. Here is a look at their dessert menu: (For full lunch and dinner menus: Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie)
Napoleon
Puff Pastry layered with Cream
Éclair
Vanilla White Chocolate or Chocolate Cream
Créme Brûlée
Caramelized Vanilla Custard
Parfait aux Fruits
Yogurt Mousse with Berries
Mousse au Chocolat
Chocolate Mousse
Duo
White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake
Macaron
Macaroon with Raspberry and Lime Cream
Café Liégeois
Coffee, Chocolate and Cream Mousse
Framboise
Raspberry Mousse Cake
Macarons Collection
Chefs De France
This fine dining experience will give you the feeling of eating within beautiful Paris. The décor is covered with mosaic floors, windows all across the restaurant, and high ceilings. Looking out the window you will have a view of the France pavilion and even glimpses of Princesses walking by. If you are looking for a delectable fine dining experience, look no further than Chefs de France. (For a full lunch and dinner menu: Chefs de France) Here is a look at their dinner entrees:
Lasagnes de légumes du soleil à l’huile d’olive au thym (Vegetable Lasagna)
Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions and tomato baked into thin layers of pasta
Gratin de Macaroni (Macaroni Baked)
with cream and Gruyère cheese
Salade Niçoise
Salad with Ahi tuna, tomato, green beans, bell peppers, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, olives, anchovies, vinaigrette dressing
Choucroute de la mer (Cod Fish)
Cod fish, shrimp, house-made haddock sausage, served with braised sauerkraut and beurre blanc
Filet de saumon mariné auvin blanc et citron
White wine and lemon marinated salmon, broiled, served with steamed vegetables, champagne sauce
Boeuf Bourguignon, linguine
Beef braised in Cabernet with baby onions and carrots, served with linguine pasta
Poulet fermier à la Layonnaise, pomme puree
Lyon style roasted chicken served with tomatoes and vinegar sauce, mashed potatoes
Canard aux cerises (Duck Breast with Cherries)
Duck breast and leg confit with cherries, sweet potato puree and zucchini
Jarret de porc braisé, spaetzels (Pork)
Pork shank braised served with spaetzels egg noodles
Steak frites, beurre maitre d’hôtel
Grilled flat iron steak, French fries, lemon and parsley butter
Filet de boeuf grillé (Grilled Tenderloin of Beef)
with green peppercorn sauce, potato gratin and green beans
Les Vins de Chefs de France
If you are unable to obtain a reservation to Chefs de France, or if you are simply looking for a delicious alcoholic beverage, Les Vins de Chefs de France offers a quick way to purchase wine. Not to mention their amazing specialty drinks. The Orange Slush with worth every penny of the almost $10 drink! (Full menu available: Les Vins de Chefs de France) Here is a look at their menu:
Regular Wine
Melot (Red)
Cabernet (Red)
Chardonnay (White)
Regional Wine
Beaujolais Duboeuf
Vouvray Sauvion (White, Sweet)
Rosé Côtes de Provence
Premium Wine
Côtes du Rhône J.L.Colombo
Bordeaux Château La Chataignière
Pouilly-Fuissé
Specialty Drinks
Orange Slush
Grand Marnier, Rum & Grey Goose Orange & Orange Juice
Citron
Grey Goose Citron, Vodka and Lemonade
Le Geant Slush with a Grand Marnier or Grey Goose Citron Shot
Crepes de Chefs de France
Much like Les Vins de Chefs de France, this outdoor location is perfect to satisfy that sweet tooth! Containing the best Crepes around, Crepes de Chefs de France offers various Crepes and ice cream. Here is a look at the crepes they have to offer: (For a full menu: Crepes de Chefs de France)
Chocolate Crêpe
Strawberry Preserve Crêpe
Sugar Crêpe
Ice Cream Crêpe
Soft Serve Ice Cream
served in a Waffle Cone; Chocolate, Vanilla or Swirl
Monsieur Paul
Of all the dining experiences located in the France pavilion, Monsieur Paul is one of the most sought-after reservations and also one of the most difficult to obtain. This gourmet restaurant is located on the second level of Chefs de France, which also represents where this restaurant lies in comparison. Monsieur Paul is one of the most expensive dining locations across property so keep that in mind if you plan on making a reservation. Here is a quick look at their Main Courses: (For a full menu: Monsieur Paul)
Bar Noir Écailles de Pommes de Terre (Black Sea bass)
Black sea bass in potato “scales”, fresh spinach, rosemary sauce
Pavé de Saumon Norvegien Confit à L’huile d’Olive (Norwegian Salmon)
Norwegian salmon confit in olive oil, smashed potatoes, creamy leek sauce
Cabillaud Noir Poêlé (Pan-seared Black Cod)
Pan-seared black cod, mousseline and fricassee of cauliflower, broccoli purée, chicken jus
Magret de Canard Rôti (Roasted Duck Breast)
Roasted duck breast, caramelized kumquats, turnip purée, grilled salsify, duck jus
Filet de Boeuf Grillé (Grilled Beef Tenderloin)
Grilled beef tenderloin, rutabaga purée, black trumpet, braised and breaded oxtail, Bordelaise sauce
Character Offerings
France is home to classic Disney Princesses, Belle and Aurora. Both Princesses meet throughout the day in the France pavilion (weather permitting). During the holiday season, guests can find Belle wearing her red velvet Christmas dress under the gazebo while Aurora is located next to the beautiful waterfront! (During non-holiday season, Aurora meets under the gazebo and Belle meets by the water in her blue village dress). Though Princess Aurora meets in other locations around property, this provides the most beautiful setting. As with Belle, this is one of the very few opportunities to get a personal meet and greet while also obtaining an autograph. (Belle does not do autographs in Magic Kingdom at Enchanted Tales with Belle and you must have a reservation at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall to meet her and Princess Aurora.)
While visiting France, make sure to watch Serveur Amusant. This high-performance stunt show will guarantee to keep you entertained! (Be sure to grab a times guide in the front of the park for meet and greet times as well as other show times. Much of this information can also be found by using the My Disney Experience app!)
Want to experience all the France Pavilion has to offer on your next Disney vacation? Get a free quote below from the leader in Disney vacations!
Special thanks to Ashley Dion for writing this article! Former cast member turned annual pass holder, I am a native Michigander who moved her entire life to Orlando, FL to be surrounded by all things Disney. I met my fellow Disney-lover husband while working for the Mouse and now we frequent the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts as pass holders as often as possible!