Impressions de France

World Showcase, Epcot

  • Land: World Showcase
  • Type: Show
Where: France Pavilion
Height: Any Height
Experience: Indoor
Duration: 18 minutes

Impressions de France is an 18-minute movie about France projected onto 5 adjacent screens in the France Pavilion at Epcot theme park. Embark on a virtual tour of France during a screening of Impressions de France, a panoramic movie for Guests of all ages that celebrates the history and pagentry of France. Boasting an expansive 200-degree widescreen view, Impressions de France invites you to follow race cars in Cannes, sailboats on the Seine and mountain climbers amidst the French Alps. Gorgeous aerial shots take you to many of France's finest tour stops, including the colorful gardens at Versailles, the sun-kissed beaches at Cannes and the top of the elegant Eiffel Tower. It's the closest thing to actually being there!

Impressions de France includes a classical soundtrack that features the music of such famous French composers as Claude Debussy, Camille Saint Saens and Francois-Adrien Boieldieu-performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Impressions de France screens throughout the day at the Palais de Cinema, which includes seats for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to check the Times Guide at Epcot for showtimes.

Impressions de France, which has been playing since the opening day of the Epcot park in 1982, is a travelogue of the French countryside, major cities, various regions, and important structures. The film, set a musical score written by Buddy Baker (composer), encompasses the music of classical French composers such as Claude Debussy and Camille Saint-Saens. The film, itself, is the work of director Rick Harper and produced by two-time Academy Award nominee Bob Rogers (designer). The film's aerial views, mixed with closer views, includes, among other things, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, the French Alps, Versailles, scenes from Cannes, Notre Dame de Paris, and scenes from Normandy. The movie is presented with a lively classical soundtrack. The narrator's name is Claude Gobet.

Touring Tips

  • Impressions de France is a must-see on your Epcot Attraction List. Relax in the air-conditioned theater and enjoy the wonderful music and scenery.
  • Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast have Character Meet and Greets in France.

Facts

  • The movie is projected onto five adjacent screens, giving 220 coverage, resembling Circle-Vision 360.

Soundtrack

Scene 1 "Syrinx" by Claude Debussy

Scenes 2 - 4 "Aquarium" from Carnival of the Animals

Scenes 5 - 6 "Rondeau (Allegro agitato)" from Concerto in C for Harp and Orchestra

Scenes 8 - 9 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 10 original music by Buddy Baker

Scenes 11 & 12 original music by Buddy Baker

Scenes 13 - 15 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 16 "Nuages" from Nocturnes by Claude Debussy

Scene 17 original music by Buddy Bake

Scenes 18 - 20 "Ouverture" from Gaite Parisienne by Jacques Offenbach

Scenes 21 - 22 "Lever du jour" from Part 3 of Daphnis et Chloe Suite #2 by Maurice Ravel

Scenes 23 & 24 "Clair de Lune" from Suite bergamasque by Claude Debussy

Scene 25 "Trois Gymnopedies #1" by Erik Satie

Scene 26 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 27 & 28 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 29 "Aquarium" from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens

Scene 30 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 31 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 32 original music by Buddy Baker

Scenes 33 - 35 original music by Buddy Baker

Scenes 36 & 37 original music by Buddy Baker

Scenes 38 - 40 "Finale" from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens

Scenes 41 & 42 original music by Buddy Baker

Scene 42 "Allegro moderato" from Gaite Parisienne by Jacques Offenbach

Scene 43 "Fanfare" from La Peri by Paul A. Dukas

Scene 44 - 49 "Maestoso - Allegro" from the 2nd movement of Symphony no. 3 (Organ Symphony) by Camille Saint-Saens

Hidden Mickeys

  • In the movie's outdoor wedding scene, you can see a Mickey head and ears in a second floor window, center screen, of the house in the background.