Going to a french hen do - what to expect?

[Wineonafridaynight]

I posted this in chat and someone suggested I try here...

I have been invited to my friend's wedding. She is french and lives in france. Her groom is also french. I was very excited to be invited considering i haven't seen her for four years.

I didn't expect to be invited to the hen do but to my surprise, received an email about it. I don't speak any french (I can ask for anything from 1 to 50 baguettes or croisants and can say where I live but that's it) so it'll be a bit daunting going to a hen do with 20+ girls who all speak a different language but I'm up for it!

But...do you think my friend will feel as though she has to take care of me as I do not speak french? I don't want to put a dampner on things by being there and her feeling like she has to translate all the time.

Also has anyone ever been to a french hen do? What do they tend to be like (compared to your typical english hen do). Also are there any typical hen do destinations in France? I'm trying to pre-empt anywhere that we are likely to go and also the cost!

Thanks.

[dilbertina]

Having lived in France for the last few months with my abysmal French skills my advice would be not to worry.

Especially if in Paris area, but probably anywhere, at least some of the other guests will speak excellent English and will enjoy the opportunity to practice. Even those who don't claim to have good English will be streets ahead of you! One of the problems I am having with improving my French is that as soon as I open my mouth people talk back to me in English!

I'm sure your friend wouldn't have invited you if she didn't think you would enjoy it, and that probably includes there being people you can communicate with.

Never been on French hen do so no advice there!

[othersideofthechannel]

I have been on a few. IME there is a lot less drinking than on the UK equivalent.

Occasionally the hen and stag do have been on the same night in the same town and we have all met up in the same place around midnight to end the soirée together.

No 'risqué' presents (or any other type of present) given at the French hen dos.