This farm, known as La Francaise Blueberry Nursery, specializes in the cultivation of American blueberries, which are offered for both sale and self-picking. Although referred to as a “blueberry nursery,” the farm clarifies that it grows what are commonly known today as cultivated blueberries, distinguishing them from the smaller, wilder variety.
Visitors can enjoy self-picking blueberries at the Kwekkeboomweg field, located between Enschede and Buurse. This self-picking experience is available during the summer season, typically from mid-July to mid-August. For instance, in 2025, self-picking begins on July 19th, with specific picking days and hours (e.g., Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 9:00 to 16:00). It’s advisable to check for current dates and any adjustments to opening times due to weather conditions. The blueberry bushes, averaging two meters in height, are easily accessible for all ages. Staff are on hand to guide visitors on the best picking techniques. The farm uses no pesticides and only limited organic fertilizers, ensuring “clean and natural” produce. Pricing for self-picked blueberries is tiered, offering a lower price per kilo for larger quantities picked. For convenience, two tents are set up in the field where visitors can purchase coffee, tea, and snacks.
In addition to self-picking, the main location at Willemsbeekweg 5 in Enschede offers various blueberry products year-round, including frozen blueberries, jams (with whole fruit, jelly-jam, or stevia-sweetened by request), juices, and syrups. Blueberry bushes are also available for purchase throughout the year. During the picking season (mid-July to mid-August), this location is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 17:00. The farm also hosts Eko-Twente, offering a range of organic vegetables, fruits, meat, and more on Fridays and Saturdays. Furthermore, La Francaise participates in the Streekmarkt Delden, a regional produce market held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 15:00. The farm also provides various recipes featuring blueberries. For updates on self-picking seasons and other news, visitors can sign up for their newsletter.
What visitors say
Patrons of this self-picking farm have shared varied experiences, though many highlight positive aspects. There’s appreciation for the broad selection of produce and the friendly nature of the staff. This helpfulness extends to customer service, as exemplified by one visitor who gratefully noted the exceptional dedication of employees who assisted in searching for a lost hearing aid belonging to an elderly relative.
However, not all feedback is glowing, particularly concerning the self-picking experience itself. One customer strongly advised against it, expressing frustration that the ripest berries were apparently reserved for sale rather than for patrons to pick. They also described an unfriendly encounter when being redirected from certain areas and found the designated picking zones to offer very few ripe berries. To compound the disappointment, even the berries purchased at the farm were considered to be of poor quality.