This Saturday (2.3.) we did something very uncharacteristic to us, something we never do voluntarily on our free time, namely visit a mall on purpose without an intent to buy something (specific) or look for something, but just spend some quality time together. This winter’s “Alpes is(h)ere” magazine ran stories about The Village, a fashion outlet mall in Villefontaine, and Musée de Bourgoin-Jallieu, a textile museum with exhibits on weaving and textile printing in the area, and Lyon’s long history with silk. So, instead of going skiing or hiking on this rainy and grey Saturday, we planned to visit both of these destinations that had to do with textiles and clothing — we also planned to visit one of the Seven Wonders of Dauphiné, Grottes de la Balme, but were too exhausted after the outlet tour, so we left it for another time.

Tripadvisor reviews, while being mainly positive about the outlet mall itself, were not very flattering of the food venues. We chose Vegas Kitchen  for our lunch spot, and were disappointed. We waited for the ordering for ages, while watching customers who entered after us being served in a timely manner. The food was nothing to write home about. Tomi got a burger with a potato patty (in addition to the hamburger steak) and Tei Fish & Chips. Especially the chips were not good, or chips at all, but regular French fries.

Musée de Bourgoin-Jallieu in turn was very enjoyable — of a manageable size, informative, and free!