A deep dive into the France pavilion (Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Belle, Aurora)

One of the most unique elements of Epcot is the World Showcase, which is home to a total of 11 countries.

Exploring each of the pavilions is one of the best parts of the park, in addition to, of course, riding attractions, eating, and drinking around the world.

The countries have so much to look at, eat, drink, and buy. Plus, some even have special entertainment and character meet and greets (like meeting Belle and Sleeping Beauty)!

If you want to know more about the France pavilion at Epcot, we have you covered. 

Here we take a deep dive into the country that remains a favorite for many guests thanks to the food, beverages, theming, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and so much more.

Overview

• Location: World Showcase (between Morocco and United Kingdom)
• Restaurants: 4 Quick Service (Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, L’Artisan des Glaces, Les Vins des Chefs de France, Crêpes À Emporter); 3 Table Service (Chefs de France, Monsieur Paul, La Crêperie de Paris)
• Shops: Plume et Palette, La Signature, Les Vins de France, L’Esprit de la Provence, Souvenirs de France
• Entertainment: None
• Attractions: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Impressions de France
• Characters: Belle and Aurora
• Popular snacks and drinks: Frozen Slush (Les Vins de Chefs de France), Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich or Croque Glace (L’Artisan des Glaces), Pastries and Croissants (Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie)
• Not-to-miss: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Belle, Aurora, Les Vins des Chefs de France, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, L’Artisan des Glaces

France Pavilion Map

Dining

In the France pavilion, you’ll find 4 Quick Service options and 3 Table Service restaurants. These all offer a range of French cuisine, snacks, and drinks.

Les Vins des Chefs de France

If you want a tasty alcoholic French beverage, Les Vins des Chefs de France is the stand to visit.

You won’t find snacks here, just drinks, including French beer, wine, and champagne.

But, the alcoholic slushes are the most popular beverage to order. There are different flavors, including the Orange Slush (below), which is made with Grand Marnier, Rum, Grey Goose Orange and Orange Juice.

Usually, the slushes are served in a fancy (plastic) martini glass.

No matter how they’re served, the drinks are still tasty (and strong).

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

The menu includes a range of French and beverages, including, but not limited to, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, coffees, and more.

You can order macarons, croissants, beignets, baguettes, cheese plates, and so much more.

It does get busy here and the line can build, so patience is key if you want to eat here.

L’Artisan des Glaces

L’Artisan des Glaces has some of the best ice cream in all of Epcot. Yes, it’s that good.

You can order just a scoop of ice cream or sorbet. There are so many flavors! Plus, there’s even an ice cream martini.

You can even order macaron ice cream sandwiches. Be sure to keep an eye out for the seasonal ones, especially if they have pumpkin!

If you want to go all out, you can also try the Croque Glacé, which is 1 scoop with choice of sauce in a homemade brioche, hand-pressed warm.

It’s definitely a unique concoction!

Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris

Crêpes À Emporter is the Quick Service crêpe option attached to La Crêperie de Paris.

You’ll find many of the same menu items that you can also order at La Crêperie de Paris, the Table Service location.

There are sweet and savory crêpes, ice cream, ciders, wine, sparkling wine, and soft drinks.

This is a popular location, so just a warning that you might end up having to wait in a long(ish) line.

La Crêperie de Paris

La Crêperie de Paris is one of the newest Table Service spots in the France pavilion.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served here. You can also make reservations, which are recommended.

Obviously, the main entrée served here is crêpes (both sweet and savory). The portions are quite large and great for sharing, especially if you want to try more than one flavor.

The French ciders are a must-try, as well. There’s sweet, semi-sweet, dry, and a rose.

Chefs de France

Lunch and dinner reservations at Chefs de France are highly recommended.

This restaurant is full of charm and has expansive windows that look out onto the promenade (talk about great people-watching as you dine).

Renowned chef Paul Bocuse first opened Chefs de France in 1982, making it the first Bocuse-affiliated restaurant in America.

As for the menu, there’s a range of French cuisine to choose from that celebrates fresh and simple ingredients.

The menu does change seasonally and can included beef tenderloin, classic onion soup, roasted duck with cherries.

Monsieur Paul

Also from chef Paul Bocuse, Monsieur Paul (formerly Bistro de Paris) is more of an upscale restaurant in the France pavilion.

There is a new prix fixe menu that offers a gastronomic meal.

As described by the restaurant, “The meal entails rites which include the search for good seasonal and local products, references to a codified repertoire of recipes, culinary skills, the setting of a beautiful table, the succession of courses and the pairing of dishes with wine.”

Chef Bocuse’s son, Jerome Bocuse, owns the company behind Monsieur Paul.

This Table Service spot is located just upstairs from Chefs de France.

Plus, the views of World Showcase aren’t bad, either. If you’re lucky enough to get a window-side table, the vantage point of Epcot is quite beautiful.

Be warned that since this is a Signature Dining Experience, there is also a dress code. The minimum dress code requirements are:

• Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
• Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.

The following is not permitted: tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.

Keep in mind that there is an age limit. Per the website, “Guests ages 10 and above are invited to dine at this establishment.” There is also a $100 cancellation fee per person to no-shows and cancellations within 72 hours.

Seating Areas

You’ll find several different areas to sit throughout the pavilion.

There are scattered tables and chairs, but they don’t have umbrellas. So, you’ll want to make sure to grab a table in the shade, especially if it’s a hot and sunny day.

The walkway leading to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also has benches that are mainly in the shade.

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie has an indoor seating area, but know that the tables are limited and sometimes competitive to snag.

You’ll be able to find some type of seating all over the pavilion.

Shops

There are a handful of shops selling French goods, including one store that sells merchandise that has a Disney spin. Plus, you may even find items from Disneyland Paris!

Plume et Palette

Plume et Palette is where you’ll find designer French bags and fragrances from Le Tanneur, Dior, Thierry Mugler, and more.

La Signature

La Signature is exactly what is sounds like — fragrances! The shop features over 70 different French cosmetic and fragrances from Guerlain. You can also get a makeup consultation.

Les Vins de France

Not to be confused with the Quick Service stand Les Vins des Chefs de France, Les Vins de France is a a store that sells French wines by the bottle or glass, along with other wine accessories.

L’Esprit de la Provence

L’Esprit de la Provence is where you’ll find French housewares, like soaps, aprons, kitchen accessories, cookbooks, and more.

Souvenirs de France

Souvenirs de France is located right next to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (they use the same entrance). A range of French and Disney-inspired souvenirs are sold, including select Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure items, hats, shirts, dishes , and more.

Attractions

Not only is there 1 popular ride in the France pavilion themed after a popular Pixar film, but you’ll also find 2 shows available to watch.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a trackless 4D family-friendly ride shrinks guests down to the side of a rat as they go on an exciting journey through Gusteau’s kitchen.

It’s cute! It’s popular! And a great a fun addition to the pavilion!

This is a popular ride, though, so you’ll want to have a plan when it comes to the attraction.

We’ve come up with several different strategies to ride Remy’s without long waits, which we recommend checking out if this ride is a favorite or important to you.

While there is Standby available, you can also use the Lightning Lane and bypass the regular queue.

You can find wait times in the My Disney Experience app. But, we also have a touring plan strategy that you should check out when it comes to factoring in all of the attractions at Epcot.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is a 15-minute film featuring songs from Beauty and the Beast.

This sing-along isn’t just watching different scenes from the movie and singing along, but there are “twists” involved that differ from what’s showcased in the original movie.

The show is narrated by Mrs. Potts (voiced by Angela Lansbury) and focuses on Belle and the Beast’s love story.

Keep in mind that you can only watch the sing-along until about 6 p.m. each evening. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the daily show times.

The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along has hearing and visual disability services for those who need them.

Impressions de France

In the same theater where the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along shows, there is also Impressions de France.

This 18-minute film has been around for some time now (way before the sing-along debuted in 2020).

The movie highlights the different parts of France, all on a 200-degree widescreen.

You’ll see different parts of France, including castles, the Cheverny Forest, the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, a marketplace in Normandy, hot air balloons floating along the Loire, and more.

The soundtrack featured is from several French composers, including Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Paul Dukas. 

You can only watch Impressions de France later in the evenings, usually starting around 6:30 p.m. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the daily showtimes.

Impressions de France has hearing and visual disability services for those who need them.

And, unlike the theaters in China and Canada, this one has seats!

Entertainment

Sometimes you can find entertainment in the open area in front of Chefs de France known as “Serveur Amusant.”

These are French acrobats with fantastic acts involving balance and coordination, including a performer climbing to the top of a stack of chairs.

Serveur Amusant hasn’t performed in awhile. You can always ask a Cast Member if there is any entertainment for the day.

If or when entertainment does return, you should be able to find performances listed in the My Disney Experience app and check the daily schedule.

Characters

If you want to meet Belle and Aurora, the France pavilion is the place to go.

Belle

You’ll be able to meet Belle across from Chefs de France in a spot on the walkway along the water at different times throughout the day.

You can find times Belle meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact spot.

Aurora

Aurora meets at different times throughout the day in the gazebo that you’ll find just past the festival food booth on the right.

You can find times she meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact meeting location.

Activities

France has a few different activities for guests to try.

Palais du Cinema

You’ll find Palais du Cinema as you enter to watch Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along or Impressions de France.

Think of it as a mini-museum that’s currently themed, “Tale As Old As Time: French Storytelling and Stage on Screen.”

Here, you can explore 6 distinct gallery cases honoring the costumes, music and artwork that brought French literature to life through cinema, theater, ballet and opera.

You’ll be able to see work inspired by those who created Disney classics, like Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast.

Even if you don’t want to watch Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along or Impressions de France, you can walk in here to browse the exhibits.

Kidcot Fun Stop

Like the 10 other country pavilions in the World Showcase, France has a Kidcot Fun Stop location.

This is a fun family-friendly activity, that’s complimentary and perfect for keeping kids interested as you walk around the World Showcase, which is definitely more adult-friendly.

But each Kidcot Fun Stop allows kids to to collect an activity card detailing facts and activities about the culture and traditions of each country.

France’s Kidcot Fun Stop is located in Souvenirs de France, which is the gift shop next to Les Halls Boulangerie-Patisserie.

Save this checklist and have your little one check off each Kidcot Fun Stop as you make your way through each country.

Coin Press Machine

With 2 quarters and 1 penny, you can use this coin press machine to create French and Disney-themed pressed pennies.

France’s coin press is located inside Souvenirs de France, next to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie.

Disney PhotoPass Photographer

If you want to take a nice photo in the France pavilion, look for the Disney PhotoPass photographer near the green umbrella (or the one holding a fancy camera).

They can sometimes be found in front of the fountains as you enter the France pavilion or even along different spots on the bridge that leads to the United Kingdom pavilion and International Gateway.

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

If there is a PhotoPass photographer, be sure to also ask if they have any fun “Magic Shots”!

Picture Spot

While there isn’t a Disney PhotoPass photographer here, taking pictures with the vespas located at the exit of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure make for a fun photo-op!

Best Fireworks Views

France is already a popular pavilion, so when it comes to snagging a spot to watch fireworks here, there may be some competition.

The area along the fence across from Chefs de France is a great spot. Plus, you’re extra close to where the fireworks go off and that’s always a fun surprise!

That whole space between France and Morocco makes for good nighttime spectacular viewing.

Now, if you’re thinking about standing along the bridge that connects France to the United Kingdom pavilion and the International Gateway, you’re going to want to save a spot at least 90 minutes before the show begins.

This is an extremely popular viewing area.

You may also notice an area down below off the bridge that’s close to the water. Does it make great fireworks watching?

You bet it does — but (yes, this is a big but) more often than not this particular space is closed for private events.

Other reasons France makes a great spot to watch fireworks:

• The pavilion has restrooms (try Morocco rather than walking all the way back by Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure)
• You can get food and drinks from France, Morocco, and the United Kingdom
• You may be able to hop in line for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure while someone else is saving seats (depending on the wait time, of course)
• There are activities to keep both little ones and adults entertained, including shopping, visiting the Kidcot Fun Stop, or watching the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along or Impressions de France

Here’s what the view looks like from France:

Be sure to grab your viewing spot no less than 60 minutes before showtime. Space can fill up quickly. 

You can find that night’s showtime in the My Disney Experience app.

Fireworks Viewing Map

Restrooms

France has 2 sets of restrooms. The main restrooms are near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, close to La Crêperie de Paris.

You can also find a small bathroom inside next to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie.

Festival Exclusives

Like every other country in the World Showcase, different festival exclusives can be found in the France pavilion.

This is for all 4 Epcot festivals: Food and Wine, Festival of the Holidays, Festival of the Arts, and Flower and Garden.

These include (to name a few):

• Festival food booths, like the France booth during Food and Wine and Fleur de Lys during Flower and Garden
• Visit with Père Noël and rediscover the magic of Christmas through the letter of a delightful child during Festival of the Holidays
• Gorgeous Beauty and the Beast-inspired topiaries on display for Flower and Garden

We encourage you to take the time to explore the France pavilion and see why most everyone loves it so much.

France Pavilion Checklist

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What’s your favorite thing about the France pavilion at Epcot? Tell us in the comments!