"Colette, une femme libre" was something of a family affair for the Trintignants. Nadine Trintignant directed and co-wrote the teleplay with her daughter Marie Trintignant, who starred. Vincent Trintignant, son of Nadine and younger brother of Marie, was a first assistant director.
Musician and Noir Désir frontman Bertrand Cantat accompanied the star of this series, Marie Trintignant, on location in Vilnius during production. During a late night argument, Cantat beat Trintignant severely, then left her in bed for several hours. The attack and subsequent delay in treating her injuries led to Trintignant's death. These events are depicted in Vom Rockstar zum Killer: Der Fall Bertrand Cantat (2025).
Cast and crew recalled that Marie Trintignant had her cell phone with her at all times, often hiding it in her shoe or under her costume during filming. This was unusual behavior for her; her boyfriend, Bertrand Cantat, had become increasingly jealous and possessive and insisted on being in touch with her at all times.