This view, above, is at the far southwestern end of the pavilion. If you were to turn in place to the right you would glimpse the International Gateway and the Friendship boat launch area, located just a stone's throw away across a narrow strip of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Turning to your left your senses are treated to the Imagineer's interpretation of Paris' Belle Epoque period and architectural styles synonymous with Paris such as Mansard roofs, dormers, and storefronts. Paris is easily recognized by several cues that the legendary city planner, Georges Eugène Haussmann, brought to the modernization of the city in the mid and late 19th century. While it's impossible to fully capture the City of Light anywhere, I would argue this interpretation is far better than most and, due to the Haussmann style, easier here than in any other World Showcase pavilion.The arcade entrance, seen at left above, pays homage to the covered shopping areas formerly common to Paris' 20th Arrondissement, the area just to the north of the Louvre, at the same time of Haussmann's work in the city. When you walk through into the Promenade it may bring to mind another Disney shopping area: New Orleans Square. How appropriate!
The ubiquitous Mansard roof is seen above, at far left, and fonts and artistic styles associated with movements known as Art Deco and Belle Epoque are prevalenet. True to form, there's plenty of shopping in the France Pavilion; La Signature, Plume et Palette, La Casserole (the author's favorite), Les Vin de France, Galerie de Halles, and Art Fest round out the options. It's very easy to see why this pavilion is a popular attraction and we'll continue to look at this pavilion in future posts.
And, for the book lover, there's always something special.These photographs were taken by the author in November, 2007.
