Laval, a great place to pick apples!

Article updated on September 28, 2023

Autumn is often synonymous with harvest, soup, back-to-school and other pleasures, but first and foremost it's apple-picking time as summer draws to a close! So take advantage of the warm sunshine to stock up on this fruit outdoors, an activity that will enable you to prepare compotes, tarts or croustades that will warm you up this winter!

Photo credit: @coralye_thibeault

Did you know? Laval has its own orchard, with all the ingredients for an apple-themed outing with family, friends or even lovers! No more long distances and traffic jams to get to the apple-growing regions during peak periods. Ferme Gibouleau 's orchard is just a few minutes from downtown Laval, close to Montreal and easily accessible via Highway 19.

As a fourth-generation farmer, Marc Gibouleau has apple growing in his blood, to say the least! The Gibouleaus and their employees are delighted to share their passion for Melba, Lobo, McIntosh, Cortland, Honey Gold, Russet and many other U-pick varieties from the 10,000 apple trees that line the driveways as far as the eye can see.

Until about the third week in October, weekends are best, as they are busier, but the orchard is open 7 days a week.

Once you've filled your bags with several varieties of apples, the outing will turn into a day of activities, as you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the fresh air, accompanied by apple juice freshly squeezed straight from the orchard (a must-take home!). And don't forget to try one of our visitors' favourites: desserts sold on site, such as succulent hot apple doughnuts (available on weekends) and apple pie made from 1 kg of apples (yes, yes, you read that right!), available at the kiosk alongside a host of other types of apples and apple products. Local products are a must to end the day on a high note. And you won't be able to resist taking some home to satiate yourself during the cooking ahead.

Happy picking!

A glass of bubbles, why not?

Try Château Taillefer Lafon 's Frisson en Bulles cider for a 100% apple experience! After a day in the orchard, this delicious sparkling wine is perfect for aperitifs.

Saveurs de Laval" apple crumble

Ingredients 

• 100 g flour
• 100 g butter
• 100 g sugar
• 75 g almond powder
• 125 g Petit Prince cheese
• 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
• 65 ml 35% cream
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 500 g apples
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 lemon juice

Method :

1. Using a mixer, blend flour, softened butter, sugar and almond powder until crumbly.
2. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Still using a mixer, whip the Little Prince, powdered sugar and cream until the mixture forms soft peaks.
4. Melt the butter in a frying pan and gently cook the apples, brown sugar and lemon juice. Cool and divide between 6 ramekins.
5. Cover the fruit with the beaten Petit Prince and crumble.
6. Add a few drops of ice cider.
7. Serve cold with ladyfingers or a crusty tuile.

Bon Appétit!