Les Halliennales
Festival of the Imaginary in Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin
About Les Halliennales
Founded in 2013, Les Halliennales is a festival dedicated to imaginary literature held annually in early October in Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin, about ten kilometers from Lille. This event hosts over eighty regional, national, and European authors and illustrators specializing in fantasy, science fiction, and the strange. Signings, activities, conferences, screenings, and a literary prize make up the program of this day that brings together a passionate community of readers and creators of imaginary worlds.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Halliennales at the best price.
Sponsored link
Les Halliennales: A Dive into Imaginary Literature
Since 2013, the Les Halliennales festival has brought together fans of imaginary literature every autumn in Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin. Over one intense day, more than 80 authors and illustrators from all over France and Europe gather to share their passion for fantasy, science fiction, and the strange.
A Festival at the Heart of the Imaginary
Les Halliennales stands out for the richness of its programming, entirely dedicated to the genres of the imaginary:
- Signing sessions: Meet authors and illustrators, a privileged moment for exchange between creators and readers.
- Round tables and conferences: Thematic discussions on genre literature trends, the creative process, and fantastic illustration.
- Activities and workshops: Creative activities centered around writing, drawing, and imaginary universes.
- Screenings: Films, short films, and documentaries related to the imaginary genres.
- Literary Prize: A prize awarded during the festival, recognizing a remarkable work of the year.
A Prestigious Patron or Godmother
Each edition is placed under the patronage of a renowned author. For 2026, Floriane Soulas, a rising figure in French-language fantasy, will be the festival's godmother. This patronage sets the tone for the edition and allows the public to deeply explore the universe of the invited artist.
An Event Rooted in the Region
Located just 10 kilometers from Lille, the Les Halliennales festival benefits from the cultural dynamism of the Lille metropolis while cultivating its own identity. The municipality of Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin mobilizes each year to host this event, which resonates far beyond the Nord department, attracting visitors from all over France.
In partnership with lille3000
Les Halliennales regularly collaborates with lille3000, the cultural association that emerged from Lille 2004 European Capital of Culture, for enriched thematic editions.
Les Halliennales — edition 2026
The 14th edition of Les Halliennales will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Complexe Pierre de Coubertin, with Floriane Soulas as its godmother. Over 80 authors and illustrators of the imaginary are expected for a day of meetings and discoveries.
14th Edition - October 3, 2026
Les Halliennales returns for its 14th edition on October 3, 2026. The godmother for this edition will be Floriane Soulas, a French-language fantasy author. Over 80 authors and illustrators are expected for a day of signings, conferences, activities, and screenings.
Highlights Les Halliennales 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Godmother: Floriane Soulas
- 80+ authors and illustrators
- Signings, conferences, activities
Prices Les Halliennales 2026
Practical information — Les Halliennales
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin is located 10 km from Lille, accessible via the D941. Free parking near the Complexe Pierre de Coubertin.
By public transport: Bus from Lille (Ilevia line). Stop near the sports complex.
Venue
Complexe Pierre de Coubertin, Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin (59320). The festival takes place in the gymnasium and the adjacent conference room.
Opening Hours
From 10 am to 6 pm (one day).
Prices
Low-cost entry. Consult the official website for the prices of each edition.
Practical Tips
- Come with a list of your favorite authors for signings.
- Conferences and round tables are accessible without additional registration.
- A pop-up bookstore is set up on-site to purchase the works of the present authors.
- The festival is suitable for all audiences, including families with children.
Accessibility
The Complexe Pierre de Coubertin is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The exhibition spaces and the conference room are on the ground floor. Adapted restrooms are available.
Accommodation
As Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin is located 10 km from Lille, the hotel offerings of the Lille metropolis are easily accessible. Bed and breakfasts are also available in the surrounding towns. The bus network allows you to reach the festival from the center of Lille.
Food and Drink
Food stalls are present on the festival site, offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. Restaurants and bakeries are also available in the center of Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin, a few minutes' walk from the sports complex.
With Children
The festival is family-friendly. Specific activities are offered for young readers: writing workshops, games around the imaginary, and meetings with authors of children's fantasy literature. Accompanied children benefit from a reduced rate.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Halliennales at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Les Halliennales
Complexe Pierre de Coubertin
Rue Pierre de Coubertin, 59320 Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin