Definition
Neuvy-en-Mauges is a former commune in the Maine‑et‑Loire department of the Pays de la Loire region in western France. Since 1 January 2016, it has been incorporated into the new commune of Sèvremoine, where it functions as a delegated locality.
Overview
Located in the historical area known as the Mauges, Neuvy-en-Mauges lies approximately 15 km southeast of the city of Cholet. Prior to its merger, the commune covered an area of 13.83 km² (5.34 sq mi) and its elevation ranged from 49 m to 105 m above sea level. According to the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the population of Neuvy-en-Mauges was 1 165 in the 2019 census. The local economy has traditionally been based on mixed agriculture, small‑scale livestock farming, and artisanal production, with a growing proportion of residents commuting to nearby urban centres for work.
The settlement includes a 19th‑century parish church dedicated to Saint‑Pierre, a municipal hall (mairie) that now serves as a local administrative office for the delegated commune, and a modest network of primary schools and local shops. The surrounding landscape is characterized by gently rolling hills, woodland patches, and the Sèvre‑Nantaise river valley to the east.
Etymology / Origin
The toponym “Neuvy” originates from the Latin novus (new) combined with the suffix -vicus (village or settlement), thereby meaning “new village.” The qualifier “en‑Mauges” designates its location within the Mauges, a historic sub‑region of Maine‑et‑Loire whose name is thought to derive from an old Gaulish or pre‑Roman term referring to the marshy, low‑lying terrain of the area.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Administrative status | Former independent commune; now a delegated commune within Sèvremoine (arrondissement of Cholet, canton of Beaupréau-en-Mauges). |
| Geography | 13.83 km² area; elevation 49–105 m; situated on the eastern edge of the Mauges hills, near the Sèvre‑Nantaise river. |
| Demographics | 1 165 inhabitants (2019); population density ≈ 84 inhabitants per km². |
| Economy | Predominantly agricultural (cereal crops, dairy farming); limited local commerce; commuting workforce to Cholet and Angers. |
| Cultural heritage | Parish Church of Saint‑Pierre (19th c.); annual “Fête de la Mauge” celebrating regional traditions. |
| Infrastructure | Local road network connects to D207 and D131; public transport via regional bus services; elementary school (école primaire) serving the locality. |
Related Topics
- Mauges – the historical region encompassing several former communes, noted for its agricultural heritage and distinctive cultural identity.
- Sèvremoine – the commune created in 2016 by the merger of ten former communes, including Neuvy-en-Mauges, as part of a national territorial reform.
- Maine‑et‑Loire – the department in which Neuvy‑en‑Mauges is situated, known for its châteaux, vineyards, and the Loire River basin.
- Cholet – the nearest larger town, a regional economic hub and administrative centre for the arrondissement.
All information presented is based on publicly available French governmental and statistical sources.