Top 5 Favorite Things in Epcot’s France Pavilion

While spending any amount of time in World Showcase is a great idea on any given day, there is one pavilion that tugs at the heartstrings just a bit harder than all the others. France has always been my absolute favorite pavilion for so many reasons, starting with a lifelong obsession with the actual country. The fact that I can get a plate of cheese with a side of bread at the bakery doesn't hurt either.

What do you love about Epcot's France pavilion?

While the reasons why France is the best World Showcase pavilion (at least in my very humble opinion) are too long to list, today we'll look at the top five favorite things in the pavilion. We'll talk about food (of course) but there's more than great food in France. But let's start with the food.

5. Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie: It doesn't matter if there's another meal in just a few hours I'm always going to stop at Les Halles for something. I loved the bakery when it was the Boulangerie Patisserie and was small and quaint and always crowded. And I love it even more now that it's bigger and more crowded. My go-to order at Les Halles is the Cheese Plate with a baguette. Yes, it's nearly $10 for a plate of cheese (and if you add in half a baguette it's more than $10 for this "snack" but it's so worth it. The cheese plate makes a great lunch or mid-day snack. Of course the bakery case is full of many amazing treats so you just can't go wrong at Les Halles. (The chocolate mousses is delicious too!) Find a table inside or wander outside and sit by the fountain and enjoy! Don't forget that the bakery opens at 9 a.m. so it's a good place to grab breakfast too.

The cheees plate from Les Halles

4. Grand Marnier Slush: This is the ultimate grownup frozen beverage. You can keep the margaritas in Mexico (as good as they are)...for me it's always a Grand Marnier Slush! This cool orange slush is sweet and refreshing and it's the perfect drink to sip while people watching in France. You can also pair it with the cheese plate (or something else from Les Halles). If orange isn't your favorite the Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush is good too. You'll find both at the Les Vins des Chefs de France kiosk.

The Grand Marnier Slush!

3. Serveur Amusant: While you're sipping your Grand Marnier Slush or just relaxing by the fountain in the middle of the pavilion you might notice a performance happening just outside Les Chefs de France. This would be the Serveur Amusant. The French acrobats put on quite a show each day featuring juggling, comedy, and gravity-defying balance and coordination. Make sure you check the daily time schedule so you won't miss the show!

Serveur Amusant in France

2. Les Chefs de France: This is one of my favorite spots to dine at Epcot. The French Bistro serves lunch and dinner and it really is a can't-miss spot. The restaurant was founded by three of the original "celebrity chefs," Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenotre, and Roger Verge. The menu is full of delicious dishes including French Onion Soup, Beef Short Ribs, Gratin de Macaroni, and at lunch a Croque Monsieur. The dining room here is lovely but it's great fun to sit in the enclosed patio area of the restaurant where you'll have a great view of the pavilion. Advance Dining Reservations are recommended.

Lunch or dinner at Les Chefs de France is a must-do!

1. The Benches: OK, so the actual benches aren't one of my favorite things (that would just be weird) but this is one pavilion where I just love to sit and people watch. Whether I'm enjoy that cheese plate or a Grand Marnier Slush or just watching my kids meeting Princess Aurora, I could sit in the France pavilion for quite a while and not be bored. The fountain in the middle of the pavilion is gorgeous and there are some really nice benches right next to the fountain! Shopping in France is always fun too. But this is a pavilion where it's great to sit down, relax, and soak it all in. Look at the gardens, visit the shops, check out the waterfront. You won't want to miss a thing!

Ah, France in the winter!

There are other great things about the France pavilion including L'Artisan des Glaces where you can get some great hand-crafted ice cream, sorbet, and even an ice cream martini. And don't forget to take some time to check out the film Impressions de France.

What is your favorite thing in Epcot's France pavilion? Let us know in the comments.