The Semifinal Spectator Experience: A Guide to Europe
The CrossFit Semifinals are back, and if you are heading to the Europe Semifinal by French Throwdown at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France, between May 17 and May 19, here is your guide to three days of food, beverages, and fitness.
- The arena is located just east of Lyon and can be reached easily by car or subway from the city center.
In addition to the Europe Semifinal, the French Throwdown hosts competitions for all levels of athletes, from scaled and masters to teens, individuals, and teams.
- When not watching fast fitness on the competition floor, spectators can check out a partner village that will host more than 50 brands, workshops, and spectator activities. Tickets start at €10 and can be purchased here.
[Related: 2024 CrossFit Semifinals Rosters Revealed — Breaking Down the Numbers]
Looking to keep up with your fitness over the weekend? Check out the gyms near the competition site.
- CrossFit Genas – The affiliate will be closed during the competition weekend as it has several athletes and coaches at the Throwdown.
- Open Gym: The week before Semifinals, the affiliate will have extended hours.
- Monday, May 13 – Wednesday, May 15: 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. CEST
- Thursday, May 16: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. CEST
- The affiliate is closed Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19.
- Drop-In Rates:
- 10 sessions: €180
- 1 session: €20
- 1 session with a shirt: €35
- Open Gym: The week before Semifinals, the affiliate will have extended hours.
- Other Events: The affiliate will do Murph on Monday, May 20. There will be four heats and a one-session drop-in fee to participate.
- CrossFit Lyon – The oldest CrossFit gym in Lyon boasts over 300 members and encourages members to “become better than you are.”
- The affiliate is offering a preferential rate for athletes participating in the French Throwdown and large groups of supporters visiting. If this is you, contact the gym before you visit. Messaging on Instagram is the easiest way.
- Open Gym:
- Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. CEST
- Friday: 7 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. CEST
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CEST
- Sunday: Closed
- Classes:
- 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. CEST
- Drop-In Rates:
- 1 session: €20
- The affiliate is offering a preferential rate for athletes participating in the French Throwdown and large groups of supporters visiting. If this is you, contact the gym before you visit. Messaging on Instagram is the easiest way.
- Other Events: The gym is partnering with Northern Spirit on Saturday, May 18, at 8 a.m. CEST for a WOD before the start of the day’s competition. Head down to work out and check out brand offerings!
- CrossFit Novelty – The affiliate will open its doors for free to athletes competing at the Throwdown. Message the gym to guarantee your spot.
- Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. CEST
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. CEST
- Sunday: Closed
- Drop-In Rates:
- 1 session: €20
- 1 week (5/13 – 5/17): €39
- Hours:
- CrossFit Novelty – The affiliate will open its doors for free to athletes competing at the Throwdown. Message the gym to guarantee your spot.
- CrossFit Villeurbanne – The affiliate will be closed on Saturday as they will be coaching a team competing at the French Throwdown.
- Open Gym:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. CEST
- Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. CEST
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CEST
- Drop-In Rates: reserve via the website
- 1 session: €20
- 5 sessions: €75
- Open Gym:
After all that fitness, do you need a caffeine fix? There are several great cafe options near the venue.
- Kachka
- Coffee Moments – Cafe Lyon 3
- Etienne Coffee & Shop Villeurbanne Gratte-Ciel
- Zeitgeist Vegan Coffee & Cake
Hungry for more? You will have worked up quite a sweat watching all that fitness and you’ll undoubtedly be hungry. Lyon has some fantastic places to grab a bite and have a beer – check out a few options below.
Featured image: @frenchthrowdown / Instagram