France pavilion

The showcase reflects the ambiance of France between 1870 and 1910, a period known as La Belle Epoque, or “the beautiful time.” This was an energetic period of art and literature, grand exhibitions, inventions and science, and a time when a spectrum of styles formed the character of Paris boulevards and architecture. Within the showcase are: a book shop, reflective of art nouveau; a perfume and designer accessories shop styled after the chateau look of an older Paris, a theater pre-show facade copied from a classical portico; and a post-show interior modeled after Les Halles, the busy garden market of Paris.

Elsewhere are a sidewalk cafe and a restaurant, which is a scaled-down version of a 19th-century building with rolling mansard roofs and elegant ironwork. Also a provincial street reflects the village atmosphere of France, complementing the formal tree-lined streets of Paris. The one-tenth replica of the Eiffel Tower was constructed using Gustave Eiffel’s original blueprints.

The gardens in the France pavilion are light and airy, reminiscent of a city park. Gazing toward the shops and film attraction, guests notice the allee (avenue or pathway) of trees ascending the incline. This allee, normally of linden trees in France, is created with Natches crape myrtle, which thrive in Florida’s climate. To the right of this row of trees is Le Notre Garden, an embroidered parterre garden where 985 shrubs are shaped into the well-known fleur-de-lis design. And a circle of crape myrtle trees (substituting for lilacs found in France) bloom from early spring to late spring, adding abundant color to the landscape.

On the way to the next pavilion, a much larger parterre garden can be seen over the bridge.

Dining

With the lively atmosphere of an authentic brasserie along the Rue de Seine, the celebrated Chefs de France restaurant has a whole new look and a new attitude.

The menu still features the gastronomic creations of its three famous owner-chefs: Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenotre and Roger Verge, whose gourmet restaurants in Lyon, Paris and Cote d' Azur, respectively, are known around the world.

The cuisine retains its allegiance to the celebrated owners with such favorites as grilled tenderloin of beef with a Bordeaux wine sauce, traditional French onion soup, or a Mediterranean seafood casserole.

Facts
Guerlain makes a limited number of bottles of a special line of perfume that is only available in the United States at the France Pavilion. The limited-edition fragrance changes every year.

Impressions de France

Inspirational music and stunning, panoramic views of France, in relaxing comfort

Type - film

When to go - go in the morning or later in the day

Duration - 18 mins

Restrictions
Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs to experience the attraction.

Facts/History of the pavilion
Featured are a replica of Les Halles, a once-beloved Parisian market, and a replica of Pont des Arts, a footbridge that once led from the Louvre to the quais of the Left Bank.
The Eiffel Tower is only one-tenth the size of the original.
The tower is painted with a sticky substance to discourage birds from ruining the illusion of height.
The park is inspired by Georges Seurat's painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte'.

Hidden Mickeys
In "Impressions de France," check out the background of the wedding party scene, in the center of the second-floor window of the house.

Reviews

"I have been to Disney World about 6 times and I never miss this attraction. It has been my favorite for a long time. Being a student of the french language, I appreciate everything this attraction has to offer. You learn a lot about the culture and about the way people live in France from the film. Plus, the authentic, french music is beautiful. I really recommend this attraction to anyone who is planning a trip to Disney World. Don't miss this one!!" Christine

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