If you’d told me a couple years ago—pre-Geneva life—that I’d willingly stand in a field, under the sun, with flies buzzing around while picking fruit… I would’ve politely declined. City girl through and through. But after moving to Meyrin a few months ago—where we’ve somehow adopted the neighborhood donkeys and a tiny pony as extended family—I figured it was time to lean in. Mostly for my very energetic 4-year-old… but also curiosity.
And honestly? It’s kind of become a thing.
If you’re in Geneva, you’re in luck—the region quietly turns into a DIY fruit buffet from spring through early autumn. It’s very seasonal, very local, and very dependent on the weather—so things shift a little every year, but that’s part of the charm.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to tap into local life without overthinking it. No need for perfect French, no complicated planning—just show up, grab a basket, and pick whatever’s ripe. Most farms are family-run, super relaxed, and very used to people like us figuring it out as we go.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weekend plan, something to do with kids, or just an excuse to get out of the city for a bit, fruit picking is such a good one. Here’s a simple guide to the best spots:
– Blackberries: from April to October
– Strawberries: from May to July
– Cherries & Blackcurrants: from June to August
– Raspberries: from June to October
– Redcurrants & Apricots: from July to August
– Plums and Green Beans: from July to September
– Apples: from July to October
👨🌾 How It Works
- Grab a container from the farmer
- Wander the fields and pick whatever looks good
- Bring it back to be weighed
- Pay for what you picked
🔥 Hot Tip: What to expect
- Wear shoes you don’t love (fields = mud + juice casualties)
- Always check availability—farms open depending on ripeness and weather
- Bring cash or check ahead (some places are delightfully old-school 😜)
- Bring your own containers.
- Go early in the day. You’ll usually find the best selection earlier on.
- Keep in mind: Fruit picking season in Geneva runs roughly spring → early autumn, with strawberries first, then berries, then apples and more
📍 Where To Go:
La Fraisière de Feuillasse
- Open daily during the season (even on Sunday’s!)
- Prices are refreshingly reasonable (around CHF 5.20/kg for strawberries)
👉 My tip:
- Make sure to check their Instagram before heading out—they’re pretty good at posting updates when the strawberries have all been picked for the day. Learned this the hard way when I had a whole Sunday plan in my head… only to see “no more ripe strawberries” and immediately spiral into “what do we even do now?” mode 😅
- Go early. Strawberry picking season is short and popular.
Self-Cueillette de fraises
- 🍓 Strawberries only
- Ideal for a quick outing with kids
Verdonnet Bouchet Horticulture
- What is available to pick: Strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrant and blackberries
- Typically open midweek and weekends during season
- Great if you prefer less crowds and more actual picking
Les petits fruits de Bussy
Picking season dates to remember:
- Strawberry starts May 28
- Raspberries starts around end of June
- Blackcurrant starts around end of June
- Blackberry starts early July
Ferme Courtois
- What is available to pick: Mix of fruits (Apples, Cherries, Raspberries, Blackcurrant, nectarines, peaches, and so much more!) + vegetables (corn, pumpkins…)
- Great if you want variety
La Ferme de Platton
- A bit of everything: fruits, veggies, AND animals
- Ideal if you want a wholesome countryside moment (or if kids are involved)
La Flânerie
- A more curated, aesthetic take on self-picking
- Think herbs, flowers + veggies
La Touvière
- What is available to pick: Apples, Pears, Grapes
- Best later in the season
Domaine de l’Orcy
- 🍎 Apple picking season is from September to October
- Old-school orchard vibes
Happy Fruit Picking Season everyone! I’m on my way to stock up for my demanding child’s endless fruit snacks 👋
Leave a Reply