10 Things to Do in Epcot France That’s Awesome
Epcot is known for the World Showcase, where you can learn about different countries’ cultures, foods, and people. But, there is so much to do in each location, especially France! So let take a visit to the French countryside and experience all the things to do in Epcot France pavilion!
Eat at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
Located deep within the France pavilion, in the alleyway to the left, lies what has been touted as one of the best quick-service breakfast spots in Epcot. Les Halles is a bakery and pastry shop that produces fresh pastries, bread loaves, sandwiches, and more. Seriously, the smells of this location are heavenly!
The menu includes French classics like pain au chocolate, Napoleon, macarons, the croque monsieur sandwich, and quiche lorraine. You can also grab wine, beer, and gourmet coffee.
One of the cheapest snacks you can buy at Disney World is at this restaurant, and it’s our favorite: a full baguette with butter. A full baguette is $3.50, and butter came with ours for free. It is perfect for carb-ing up if you intend on drinking around the world. Or, as a late-night option to soak up some of those tasty beverages.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
This quaint 15-minute show is located in the Palais du Cinema. In a “tale as old as time”, Mrs. Potts narrates the story of Belle and the Beast. This condensed show is a sing-along with favorite tunes like Be Our Guest.
The Beauty and the Best Sing-Along is perfect for little ones, or anyone who needs a break from the sun. While it is not on our top list of to-do’s at Epcot, it is certainly an alternative to the normal routine.
Meet Belle & Aurora
You can meet two Disney princesses in the France pavilion at Epcot: Belle and Aurora. This is a great opportunity for young ones and the young-at-heart to snap picks with some of the park’s favorite characters.
Belle meets near the World Showcase Lagoon in between France and Morocco. You can see her in her provincial blue dress and white apron, as seen at the beginning of the film Beauty and the Beast. She is a common meet-and-greet in the area and showtimes can be seen on the My Disney Experience app.
Less common is Aurora, who can be seen in her pink Princess dress. She can be found underneath the green gazebo near the gardens on the walkway to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. We suggest asking a Cast Member if you do not see her showtimes on the app to see if she is making an appearance on that day.
Watch Impressions de France
The same theater that hosts the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along features another show: Impressions de France. Similar to other shows in countries like Canada or China, this 18-minute film showcases the splendors of France’s people, regions, and cultures.
It is a relaxing, laidback show that makes one wistful about the romance of this European country. We find it is good for older children, adults, and seniors, as little ones might get bored easily. Times swap between the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and this show, so you will want to look at showtimes on the My Disney Experience app or on the theater board in the pavilion.
Sip Wines from Le Vins de France
On our last trip, we had a great time enjoying French wines at Le Vins de France. You can taste champagne, white wine, or red wine. The Cast Members at this location were helpful and guided us through the wine’s profiles. When we were through tasting, we could either take home a bottle or walk away with a glass to sip on while enjoying Epcot. You can find Le Vins de France in the tiny corridor between L’Esprit de la Provence and Monsieur Paul.
Indulge in a Signature Dining Experience at Monsieur Paul
Fine dining is a staple of French culture, and you can experience this same level of sophistication from Monsieur Paul. This signature table-service restaurant showcases a Prix Fixe menu with eight courses with choices of appetizers, fish courses, meat courses, and desserts.
This intimate gourmet restaurant is popular, and reservations are highly recommended. In addition, you will need valid theme park admission and reservation to enter the restaurant. There is a dress code, and the Disney World website states that clothes should be “clean, neat and in good condition.”
Like many signature restaurants at the parks, it is an expensive experience. Monsieur Paul is currently $195 per person plus tax and gratuity. Given the price, we would reserve this spot for a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary. Do note: if you’re looking for a tasty Epcot lunch, you’ll be out of luck at Monsiuer Paul, as only a dinner menu is offered here.
Ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The newest, and only, ride in this pavilion is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The ride opened in the fall of 2021 to much fanfare and with good reason!
The attraction transforms you down to the size of a rat as you scurry and scamp your way through Gusteau’s kitchen. This 3-D experience, voiced in both French and English, is a fun, dynamic ride for all ages. However, we find those with motion sickness might not enjoy it as much, as there are moments that can feel dizzying.
Considering it is one of the newest rides at Disney World, wait times can be long. We suggest trying Genie+ for this attraction or making it one of your first stops of the day.
Shop Designer Handbags at Plume et Palette
Wine and fine dining are not the only things France is known for – it is also one of the leaders of the hottest couture designs in the world. At Plume et Palette, you can shop and take home the latest designer handbags and fragrances from top designers like Dior. Choose the perfect purse to complement your theme park outfit; or, make it a special gift for the fashion-lover in your life.
Refresh Your Cosmetics and Perfumes at La Signature
Did you know you can get a makeup consultation experience at Epcot? It’s true! Not only that, but you can purchase premium French cosmetics and fragrances. At La Signature, your perfect shade of lipstick or eyeshadow is within reach.
La Signature and Plume et Palette are in the same building, located to the right of the Palais du Cinema and the left of the walkway to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Dive Into a Sweet Treat at L’Artisan des Glaces
Where else at a Disney theme park can you enjoy handmade ice cream and frozen treats? If you want an upgrade from the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, step inside the flavorful L’Artisan des Glaces.
Next to Les Halles lies this sweet shop, known for its unique desserts. Popular desserts include the macaron ice cream sandwich and the Croque Glace, which serves ice cream pressed in brioche bread. Less adventurous types can enjoy scoops of ice cream, either in a waffle cone or cup.
One of our favorite and most popular desserts is the ice cream martini. Enjoy scoops of ice cream with a shot of Grand Marnier, and your choice of whipped cream vodka or rum. It is indulgent, rich, and packed with a punch.
Conclusion
There are so many things to do in Epcot France pavilion! It is incredible how much Disney World is able to pack into such a small area.
Enjoy sweet treats at L’Artisan des Glaces or Les Halles or pick up a new favorite shade at La Signature. Sing along to one of the most beloved Disney movies or learn about the beauty of the French countryside. Then, enjoy a signature dining experience at Monsieur Paul or ride on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. No matter how you go about it, you are sure to have a great experience at this pavilion.
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