Every spring, the same video pops up: green fields, perfect strawberries, happy children, and the feeling that you’re in a yoghurt advert. And yes, it does exist. But like everything in Switzerland, it’s best to understand exactly how it works before you take the plunge.
You won’t be “picking strawberries for free” here. It’s a pick-your-own scheme. You go there, pick them yourself… and pay by weight when you leave. The appeal lies in the experience, not in the savings. In fact, it often works out at the same price per kilo as the supermarket, or even more, especially if you get carried away filling up your boxes.
In the Geneva area, there are several well-known places: - La Fraisière in Meyrin - La Flânerie in Troinex
They work in a similar way: you go in, grab a container, pick some fruit and head to the till. Simple. Just bear in mind the opening hours and the season. If it’s rained or it’s been a while since the last harvest, you might find more leaves than strawberries.
Top tip: take cash with you or check how to pay, keep an eye on the weight (those boxes fill up quickly) and don’t go in thinking you’re going to save money. You’re there for the experience, for the moment, and because freshly picked strawberries really do taste different.
And another very Swiss detail: stick to the rules. No ‘tasting’ strawberries whilst you’re picking them. Sure, we all think about it… but here you have to pay for those too.
A great idea, especially if you’ve got children or are looking for something a bit different to do in the morning. But it’s not a bargain; it’s an experience. And in Switzerland, experiences come at a price.
www.espanolesensuiza.ch