Saint‑Fiacre‑sur‑Maine (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ fjakʁ syʁ mɛn]; literally “Saint‑Fiacre on Maine”) is a commune in the Loire‑Atlantique department of western France. It lies in the Pays de la Loire region, southeast of Nantes, between the rivers Sèvre Nantaise and Petite Maine.
Geography
The commune covers 5.97 km² (2.31 sq mi) and has an elevation ranging from 2 to 53 m above sea level. Its territory is situated on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the two rivers, providing fertile alluvial soils that support extensive viticulture.
Administration
Saint‑Fiacre‑sur‑Maine belongs to the arrondissement of Nantes and the canton of Vertou. It is part of the intercommunal structure Communauté d’agglomération Clisson Sèvre et Maine Agglo. The current mayor, serving the 2020–2026 term, is Danièle Gadais.
Demographics
According to the latest INSEE figures (2023), the commune’s population stands at 1,251 inhabitants, yielding a density of roughly 210 inhabitants per km². Historical census data show steady growth from 651 residents in 1968 to its present size. Residents are referred to as Fiacrais.
Economy
Viticulture dominates the local economy; more than 80 % of Saint‑Fiacre‑sur‑Maine’s land is under vines, making it one of France’s most vineyard‑dense communes. The area produces Muscadet wines, and over thirty winemakers operate within its boundaries.
History
The settlement traces its origins to the 6th‑century foundation of Saint‑Hilaire‑du‑Coing. In the 16th century, pilgrimages to a statue of Saint Fiacre led to the name change to Saint‑Fiacre‑du‑Coing and eventually Saint‑Fiacre‑sur‑Maine.
International relations
Since 1977, Saint‑Fiacre‑sur‑Maine has been twinned with Echichens in Switzerland, fostering cultural and civic exchanges between the two municipalities.