Hi friends,
I've been Managing Director for 18 months now, and I'm making it an early New Year's resolution to share more about what's going on through the year. As someone close to the heart and vision of Le Pas Opton, I’m hoping to keep you better updated through the year so you can pray, promote and hopefully feel inspired to join us again this summer!
Looking back
What a season we’ve had! We recently pulled together some of the key numbers that represented the fruit of everything that happened in 2025 - for your encouragement, here are a few pages for you to explore.
If I had to sum up 2025 in one word, it would be joy. Joy in the morning, joy in the evening – and plenty of dancing! The site was full of energy and celebration.
This joy overflowed into team life too. We heard so many comments about what a happy, committed group of Animateurs and Bénévoles we had. From Montage to Démontage, their entrepreneurial spirit shone through – ice creams by the pool, teddy bear zip lines, and more activities than ever. Despite challenging weather at both ends of the season, their dedication never wavered. We are deeply grateful.
Do take a moment to read the testimonies and answers to prayer in the slides. God continues to use LPO as a ‘thin place’ where lives are touched and transformed.
What's happening now
At LPO the team is hard at work maintaining and improving the site, including extensive tree and hedge work and lots of other improvements.
We are also grieving the loss of Daniel, our hugely talented maintenance man, who passed away in October after his cancer returned. Please pray for his wife and children, and for the team as they support one another. Continue to pray too for James as he regains strength after treatment, and for several team members caring for unwell parents.
Looking ahead
Recruitment for the 2026 team is open with a great early response. Visit our website to explore roles for both Animateurs and Bénévoles.
We’re also confirming speakers, worship leaders, and adult programme details. Keep an eye on the website for updates.
New for 2026
We're excited to share several new developments
A longer season
We’ve extended the season by two weeks, giving more opportunities to enjoy the Vendée sunshine.
Early Start & September Chill Out
These bookend weeks will have a gentler pace – thought for the day with worship, a light programme of activities and trips, and plenty of free time to relax or explore. With no evening celebration, you’ll have freedom to venture further afield and enjoy local restaurants, while still having the bar and light entertainment available back at LPO. Why not extend your holiday with a relaxed start before the Retreat Week, or a longer chilled ending after extra time! Because of the extended season, we won’t’ hold the usual Grand Weekend. Instead we’ll pray for the season ahead in the Early Start, and celebrate a great season as we Chill Out in the final week!
Out-of-season stays
You can currently rent our villas out of season, with mobile homes available in May. Contact Guest Services for details.
Retreat Week – now longer
Running Saturday 16th to Saturday 23rd May, Retreat Week now includes welcome drinks, a Sunday service, and Street Party, with the retreat programme running Monday to Friday. Additional sessions for church leaders are designed to help those who can’t be away on Sundays.
Pre-school Week, 1-8 June – expanded and refreshed
The former ‘Toddler Week’ now includes programming for children up to age 5. We’re delighted that Martha Shrimpton is leading the children’s team. Expect fun, learning, and all-age moments together. Count Everyone In will also run alongside, as before.
Home Education Week, 8-15 June
Anne and Andrew Holland will host a week for home-educating families, with opportunities to connect, share resources, and enjoy holiday time together.
More to explore
All feature weeks are open to any guest, with additional programme depending on the week. Please check the website or speak to Guest Services to ensure you know what’s included.
Combine weeks
Our pricing makes multi-week stays attractive, and we’ve paired feature weeks to help you plan extended breaks – for example, Retreat Week preceded by the Early Start, or Pre-school Week followed by Home Education Week.
In summary
2026 is shaping up beautifully, and we would love you to join us in praying for the team and the season ahead. Please do spread the word and let Guest Services know if you’d like help promoting us to your church or group.
We look forward to welcoming you back to LPO! Before then of course we have Christmas to enjoy. On behalf of the Guest Service Team, Dave and Lou Bentley and myself may I wish you a blessed Christmas.
John Musgrave
Managing Director, Spring Harvest Holidays
President's Representative, Association Le Pas Opton