The castle in Paris opens onto a fairytale village, a place that storybook characters call home where magical things happen. To the right is l'Auberge de Cendrillon (Cinderella's Cottage), a large table service restaurant. While I never had the opportunity to dine there, I did get to look around one morning at some of the exterior details.
The cottage is exquisite, rich colors and stonework mixed with fine details of brass and wrought iron. To those familiar with the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, there's even a bit of déja vu in these columns and the fountain statue of the young princess.
Indoors are rooms adorned with spectacular tapestries and chandeliers, but the cottage also surrounds a quiet courtyard where you can find Cinderella's famous pumpkin coach. Look closely at the base of the wishing well, you may even spot some of her little bird and mouse friends... along with Lucifer the cat creeping around the corner.
Also in the village, nearest Sleeping Beauty Castle, is another small cottage seemingly transplanted here from the woods. It's the home of the three good fairies who rescued and raised Briar Rose as their own. Now that she's returned to the kingdom as Princess Aurora, the fairies have taken up residence here to continue to keep a close watch... and make candy for sale!
Step inside La Confiserie des Trois Fées, and you'll find yourself in a charming little space, straight out of Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Look closely, and you may even catch a glimpse of Flora, Fauna and Merryweather as they drift by, going about their magical business.
TAND
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
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