Season starting and good news about ferries

The 2026 season has begun! The team have worked really to prepare the site, aided by the largest Montage team we’ve ever had! We’re so grateful for all the effort put in by so many volunteers and our amazing French staff team. The site is looking amazing and with a busy half term week just about to begin, we’re making a great start to the season.

We are aware that the events in the Middle East, and the impact on fuel prices, may be concerning to our guests, both those of have had made a booking, and those still considering whether to holiday with us at Le Pas Opton. I wanted to reassure you that we are monitoring the situations carefully and are pleased to report that only one of our travel providers have added a fuel surcharge and we are not passing this onto our guests. No other providers have changed their pricing or added on extra charges. In fact, CEO of Brittany Ferries, Christopher Mathieu, has emailed his customers with an encouraging statement:

“Recent geopolitical tensions are understandably causing uncertainty for many. Although we are not directly impacted by the events themselves, some of the knock‑on effects are beginning to be felt closer to home - including higher fuel and energy costs and potential pressures on mobile networks… Their warnings have concerned me, and I’m sure they have concerned you. However, I want to reassure you: they certainly do not affect Brittany Ferries or our destinations served by sea…. there is no chance that Brittany Ferries will run out of fuel. You can be 100% confident that we will get you to your destination. Furthermore, we will not add any surcharge to holidaymakers’ tickets in response to the crisis in the Gulf…. So there will be no nasty surprises this summer with Brittany Ferries.”

Easyjet, who fly into Nantes Airport and are used by many of our guests and teams to travel to LPO, have also confirmed that they are not introducing surcharges on their flights, seeking to give customers peace of mind when booking. They have also stated that they see no disruption to their jet fuel supply. Nevertheless, with both Brittany and Easyjet operating variable pricing, our advice to our customers is to book now to secure the best prices for travel to France.

While it is clear that the crisis is influencing people’s holiday plans, with a “2026 staycation boom” with UK Holiday providers such as Butlin's and Haven reporting year on year booking increases, and areas like Cornwall, Devon and Yorkshire seeing demand surge by 40%, tourism in the Vendée is currently not down. In fact, like much of Western and Southern Europe, the region is benefiting from a “safe haven” effect where travellers are choosing stable European destinations, and to travel by ferry and not plane.

We certainly feel that Le Pas Opton remains a “safe haven”. Saturated in prayer and worship, it is that and so much more! We are confident we can offer a great location for your summer holiday and hope that those of you who are still considering where to holiday this summer will consider joining us.

Our Guest Service team in the UK and our Reception team at Le Pas Opton are available to help you with all your holiday planning and travel needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us on +44 1825 748318 or [email protected].

If you are already planning to be in France this summer, maybe with your caravan, campervan, or tent, we have Bring Your Own pitches available. Feel free to contact either the UK team, or the Reception team at LPO directly on +33 251 55 11 98.

Thanks for all your support, and I look forward to meeting many of you over the summer.

John Musgrave

Managing Director, Spring Harvest Holidays

President's Representative, Association Le Pas Opton