Séries Mania is an international television series festival that takes over Lille every spring, drawing creators, actors, industry professionals and fans into a week of premieres, competitions, talks and public events. The festival uses several venues across the city, so planning your trip means checking which locations are used for the screenings and events you want to attend. This guide focuses on the practical side: what the festival offers, how to reach Lille, how to get around once you are there. The festival programme and schedule change from one edition to the next, so always confirm current details on the official Séries Mania website before you travel.
What Is Séries Mania? Festival Overview and Key Events
Séries Mania is an international festival entirely dedicated to television series, featuring world premieres, official competitions and Q&A sessions with casts and creators. Alongside the public screenings, the festival includes conferences and masterclasses, giving audiences a chance to hear from both established names and emerging talent. The event also hosts the Series Mania Forum, a parallel professional programme that brings together industry experts for panels, networking and co-production pitching sessions.
According to the Office de Tourisme de Lille, the festival has become a key date for television lovers, with a mix of pop culture, creativity and a vibrant atmosphere. While some sources describe Séries Mania as Europe's leading TV series festival, such a claim is not independently confirmed, so treat it as one description rather than a verified fact. Instead, focus on what the festival offers: screenings, discoveries and encounters across multiple venues in Lille.
When Does Séries Mania Take Place? Edition Dates and Duration
Séries Mania typically runs for about eight days in late March, as seen in recent editions. For example, the 2026 edition was held from 19 to 26 March, according to the Office de Tourisme de Lille. Future dates are announced by the organisers, and the official festival website is the place to check for the latest information.
Some unofficial guides have mentioned dates for a 2027 edition, but these are not confirmed by the organisers, and we advise against planning around them. Each year the programme, guests and schedule vary, so accurate dates for the next edition will only appear on the official Séries Mania website once announced. Planning your trip around a confirmed edition is essential to avoid disappointment.
Where Does Séries Mania Happen? Main Venues and Partner Locations
Séries Mania activity is spread across several locations in Lille rather than a single venue. According to the Office de Tourisme de Lille, key sites include Lille Grand Palais, the city’s railway stations and a range of partner venues. The exact venues change between editions, so confirm the address for each screening or event on the official programme before heading out.
The Series Mania Forum, the professional segment of the festival, has been based at Lille Grand Palais and online in recent editions, as indicated on its event page. For public screenings and events, however, venues can include cinemas, cultural spaces and even temporary locations across the city. Always verify each event’s venue because moving between sites takes time.
Is Séries Mania Free? Public Access and Ticketing Basics
The official festival website presents Séries Mania as free and open to everyone, but access conditions vary per event and may require reservation. While many screenings and events are open to the public, some may have limited capacity or separate ticketing, especially for premieres or popular sessions. The festival programme will state for each event whether it is free, ticketed, or by invitation only.
Because the access rules change between editions, do not assume that every event is automatically open. Check the official Séries Mania website for the latest details on reservations, accreditation and any costs associated with specific sessions. For the professional forum, separate registration is required, and its page provides the relevant process.
How to Get to Lille for Séries Mania: Train, Car, and Public Transport
Lille is well connected by train, with two main stations in the city centre: Lille-Flandres for domestic services and Lille Europe for international routes such as Eurostar and TGV. If you are arriving by car, the festival recommends following the motorways A1 from Paris, A22 from Ghent, A25 from Dunkirk or A27 from Brussels, then following signs to the city centre or stations. Public buses also serve the city, with a major bus station at Lille Europe.
Once in Lille, the metro, tram and bus network makes it easy to move between festival venues. The Office de Tourisme advises using park-and-ride facilities (P+R) connected to the metro and tram system, especially during busy periods. Plan extra time for transfers between venues, as distances can be significant.
Getting Around Lille During the Festival: Metro, Tram, Bus, and Parking
The quickest way to travel between venues is often the metro, with trams and buses covering the rest of the metropolitan area. Several park-and-ride sites are available on the outskirts, and using them avoids the hassle of city-centre parking. Check the official transport operator’s website for maps and live updates, as service changes may occur during the festival.
If you drive into the city, follow the directional signs to the festival venues, as the Office de Tourisme suggests, and expect possible traffic delays. For a stress-free visit, combine P+R with public transport rather than attempting to park near each venue. The festival’s own website and the Lille tourism office publish practical parking advice for visitors.
Beyond the Screen: Guided Tours and Filming Locations in Lille
For fans who want to explore the world of TV series beyond the screenings, the Lille metropolitan area offers guided tours of filming locations. The Office de Tourisme lists themed tours in Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing, where productions such as Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie have been shot. These tours give behind-the-scenes stories and a fresh perspective on familiar streets.
Examples include a fan tour by City Tour that visits on-screen locations with anecdotes, and a specific tour following the footsteps of the detective series Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie. Availability and booking details change, so contact the local tourist office or tour operator directly for current schedules. The Office de Tourisme de Lille is a reliable source for connecting you with these experiences.
Practical Tips for Festival-Goers: Venue Checks and Time Planning
Because Séries Mania uses multiple venues, always double-check the location listed for each event on your booking or the official programme. Do not assume that all activities take place at a single site like Lille Grand Palais; confirm each address in advance.
Allow extra time when travelling between venues, whether you are walking, taking public transport or driving. If you are relying on public transport, check the latest schedules, as they may differ from usual on weekends or during events. The official festival website and local transport operator provide the most up-to-date information.
Before you travel, review the official programme to note any reservation requirements or access conditions, since these vary per event. If you plan to attend the professional Forum, registration is separate. Keep an eye on the festival’s official announcements for any changes to dates, venues or procedures.
Final Words: Staying Updated with Official Sources
Séries Mania offers a packed week of screenings, talks and events for TV fans in the heart of Lille, but the details change every year. The best way to plan is to check the official Séries Mania website for confirmed dates, programme and access conditions, and consult the Office de Tourisme de Lille for practical travel advice. For further inspiration, explore other festivals in the region, such as the Fête de la Musique in Lille, to make the most of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Séries Mania?
Séries Mania typically takes place over about eight days in late March, as seen in recent editions like 2026. However, exact dates for future editions are announced by the organisers, so check the official Séries Mania website for the latest confirmed schedule.
Is Séries Mania free?
The festival is presented as free and open to everyone, but access conditions vary per event and may require reservation. The official programme will indicate for each event whether it is free, ticketed or by invitation, so always verify on the official website.
Where does the festival take place?
Séries Mania uses several venues across Lille, including Lille Grand Palais, railway stations and partner locations. The venue for each screening or event is listed in the programme, so confirm the address before you go.
How do I get to Lille for Séries Mania?
Lille is well connected by train via Lille-Flandres and Lille Europe stations, and by car via the A1, A22, A25 or A27 motorways. Once there, use the metro, tram or bus network, or park at a park-and-ride facility.
Where can I park during Séries Mania?
Park-and-ride facilities (P+R) connected to the metro and tram network are recommended by the Office de Tourisme, especially during busy periods. Follow signs to the city centre or stations, and check the official transport website for current parking options.
