French Pavilion - "Sensual City"

For the construction of its national pavilion, France, the first country to respond positively to China’s invitation, has been allocated a prime 6,000 sqm riverbank location in Zone C, alongside the other European pavilions. The French national pavilion will be a prominent, innovative structure reflecting, as much in its form and composition as its content, France dynamism and art-de-vivre. From this point of view – and in keeping with the theme of Expo 2010 – it will stand as living proof of France’s capacity to break new ground in the fields of sustainable development and cultural outreach. The layout greeting its 10 million or so expected visitors will revolve around 3 or 4 key “attractions”. French high-tech companies will showcase their innovations in public utility engineering, after having also taken part in the construction of the building itself. The pavilion will draw on the latest advances in architectural design, building materials and environmental protection. It will be a shining example of recycling techniques.

The France Pavilion, known as the “Sensual City,” should be a show-stopper and will "bring a surprise" to visitors during the World Expo. The France Pavilion will feature the pleasures of the senses and the urban good life. It will showcase classic French gardens, food, wine and fashion as well as modern urban achievements. Highlighting France creativity and emotional appeal, the French are preparing a show with Alain Delon ("Douce France"), a mascot (Léon, a cat with a baguette and a béret), and some TV content introducing France to the Chinese audience. For the sake of France art and culture, 7 masterpieces painted by world-famous artists (Cezanne, Manet, Gauguin...), borrowed from the Orsay Museum, will be on display and should not be missed. The French restaurant, headed by the Pourcel brothers, will also be a must. The main attraction for Chinese visitors might be the 2010 weddings that will be celebrated within the French Pavilion. A romantic honeymoon in a French castle will be offered to a lucky chinese couple. Visitors will also be able to buy magnolia-scented perfume made by Hermes especially for Shanghai World Expo.

The French participation in the expo Shanghai 2010 has as an ambition of :

• Underlining the friendship between French and Chinese people
• Presenting the French modernity and dynamism, founded on the technological innovation;
• Showing the quality of life of the French urban cities who privilege new forms of sustainable development.