Family road trip in Haut-Richelieu
Experience apple season at Mont-Saint-Grégoire and Henryville
Apple season is finally here, and it's the perfect time to organize a family road trip through the region's charming municipalities!
From foraging to gourmet discoveries and activities for all ages, a day in the Haut-Richelieu promises to be full of fun and unforgettable memories. Here's how to enjoy this unique experience with your family!
Apple season - An adventure to savor
Apple season in Mont-Saint-Grégoire is a must for all families in search of warm moments and authentic activities. What could be more engaging than to find yourself in the orchards, baskets in hand, choosing the finest apples from trees laden with ripe fruit? Apple picking is an experience in which everyone can participate, from the very young to the very old. You'll enjoy moments of complicity as you feast on fruit picked straight from the tree.
After filling your baskets, treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Be sure to try our freshly fried apple fritters, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. It's an irresistible pleasure to be savored on the spot. And why not extend this taste experience with a visit to the orchard stores? You'll find local products such as jams, honey and, of course, artisanal ciders.
Cider lovers will be delighted to sample different varieties, whether sweet, sparkling or ice cider. While the adults enjoy the tasting, the children can explore the play areas or be tempted by a wagon ride through the orchards. Everything has been thought of to ensure that every member of the family has a memorable time and finds what they're looking for.
How to choose the right apples - A family game!
Apple picking is an adventure in itself, but choosing the right variety can make the experience even more fun! Each type of apple has its own particularities, and here are a few tips to guide you in your selection.
- For crunchy, sweet snacks: Honeycrisp is king. Its juicy, crunchy flesh will please children and parents alike, perfect for snacking on the way home.
- For tasty pies: McIntosh and Cortland are perfect for baking. Their tender flesh blends well with sugar and cinnamon to create gourmet desserts.
- For homemade compotes: Spartan is your ally. Its texture is ideal for a sweet compote, which you can serve hot or cold, and even use as a topping on your Sunday morning pancakes.
- For fresh apple juice: Empire or Lobo give a balanced juice, between acidity and sweetness, that will please the whole family.
Make a game of it with your kids! They'll enjoy identifying the different varieties and testing their flavours. Organize a little competition to see who can pick the best or biggest apples! You'll see, the friendly competition will add a touch of laughter to this beautiful day.
This apple season, the fun doesn't stop in the orchard. It continues at home with gourmet recipes using your own harvest... how about trying out a recipe that's easy for everyone?
A gourmet recipe to cook at home
After a day of picking, why not extend the experience with a family cooking activity? Here's a simple and delicious recipe to prepare with your freshly picked apples: apple crumble.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples (McIntosh or Cortland, for example)
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 100 g softened butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
Instructions :
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Peel and cut the apples into small pieces, then arrange them in an ovenproof dish.
- Sprinkle the apples with vanilla sugar and cinnamon for a spicy touch.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar and butter until a sandy dough forms.
- Spread this paste over the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. A real treat that will remind the whole family of a beautiful day spent in the orchards of Mont-Saint-Grégoire!
The Henryville orchard and a nature getaway
In addition to its bucolic landscapes, Henryville is also home to a charming family orchard where apple picking becomes an unforgettable experience. Known for the quality of its fruit, this orchard offers a peaceful, authentic atmosphere, perfect for a family outing.
As soon as you arrive, you'll be greeted by rows of fruit trees overflowing with ripe, ready-to-pick apples. As well as enjoying the freshness of hand-picked apples, families can discover homemade products such as juices, jams and artisanal ciders. After picking, why not take a break and sample one of these sweet treats on the spot?
Henryville doesn't stop there. For nature lovers, hiking trails are also available close to the orchard. After filling your baskets, set off on an adventure along the trails that wind through the surrounding countryside. These easy hikes are ideal for families, allowing you to discover the local flora and fauna while enjoying a quiet moment in the fresh air.
Combining apple picking with a nature walk makes this Henryville getaway a complete experience that will appeal to all members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest!