Winter in Fontainebleau – a MIM perspective

Winter in Europe can be tough, especially if you’ve never experienced real cold before. The days get shorter, the skies turn grey, and suddenly you start wondering if Paris is still that great, romantic, and beautiful city you thought it was. For many of us, this change of light and rhythm can feel a bit heavy. The motivation drops, the evenings feel longer, and a small winter blues slowly sneaks in.

That’s why we, Suzanne and Justus, wanted to share a few thoughts, stories, and little traditions that help us enjoy this season instead of simply enduring it, one of us from the streets of Paris, the other from memories in Germany. The idea is to make your own version of the European winter a bit brighter.

Suzanne:

I try to embrace it fully, diving into everything that makes a French Christmas special: skating under the glass roof of the Grand Palais at night when the place turns into a dreamy ice-club, strolling through Christmas markets with a cup of hot wine in hand, or staying in with friends for hot chocolate, blankets, movies, and long game nights that stretch until everyone forgets how cold it is outside.

 It’s really about creating your own warmth, one small moment at a time.  

Justus:

One of the nicest German traditions to make the dark season feel a little lighter is baking and „building“ Lebkuchenhäuser, gingerbread houses inspired by the fairy tale of Hänsel and Gretel. It’s something many of us did with our grandparents, decorating the sweet little houses with icing and candies while the smell of cinnamon filled the kitchen.

And when the day comes to an end, I can highly recommend a good Lumumba, hot chocolate with a small shot of rum or brandy. The perfect way to warm up from the inside.

So, from both of us, the message is clear: do not be afraid of the European winter. Put on your warm clothes, go outside, stay active, and spend time with your friends. Gaming, baking, or simply enjoying the small moments that make the dark season brighter.

Below you will find a short list of some of our favourite places, games, and recipes to make this winter a good one.

Warm wishes,
Suzanne & Justus

Winter links ☃️❄️

• Ice Skating in the Grand Palais
• Paris Christmas Markets => Suzanne’s top choice: Tuileries
• Movies: Harry Potter is a must, and of course, Love Actually!!
• Games: CATAN, Monopoly
• Lebkuchenhaus Recipe
• Lumumba Recipe

This blog was contributed by Suzanne and Justus.

Suzanne and Justus are both part of the MIM cohort graduating in 2027. They both started out in business administration and were brought together by a shared love for the barista bar, one through matcha and the other through coffee. The editorial shown here is meant to bring a bit of light into the dark winter season and, above all, to allow international students to enjoy the European winter.