The Maine, the living river of the Vignoble Nantais

La Maine characterful tributary of the Sèvre Nantaise

Between granite cliffs and terraced vineyards, the Maine River reveals the geology of the Vignoble Nantais. It’s a living canvas of industrial past and wild beauty. Each bank tells its own story. The story of an area that, thanks to its river, has managed to combine heritage, nature and a gentle way of life.

Where does the Maine pass through?

The Maine is a French river that flows through the Vendée and Loire-Atlantique. It rises at Les Herbiers in the Vendée. It flows into the Sèvre Nantaise at Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine, not far from the Château du Coing and the Sèvre-et-Maine vineyards.

On its arrival in the Vignoble Nantais, it weaves its way between Remouillé, Saint-Lumine-de-Clisson, Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine, Maisdon-sur-Sèvre, Château-Thébaud, Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine and Vertou. A discreet presence, but essential to the landscape and life of the region.

A milling and industrial past on the power of water

The River Maine has long been the driving force behind milling. From the 16th century onwards, water-powered mills were built on its banks. Over the centuries, its generous flow fed farmland and inspired navigation projects, which never got beyond Château-Thébaud.
Today, the 4 kilometres from its mouth to Château-Thébaud are navigable.

©Our must-sees: the Maine, a living river in the Nantes vineyards|Erick Martineau

Hiking and nature on the banks of the Maine

Whether on foot or on the water, the Maine offers a calm and sensitive way to explore the Vignoble Nantais.

It’s a river that’s a walker’s companion. It flows through woods, wine-growing hillsides and market garden plains, creating a variety of routes between Saint-Lumine-de-Clisson, Maisdon-sur-Sèvre and Château-Thébaud.

Some routes offer uninterrupted views all the way to Nantes, while others follow the banks of the river in the shade of the trees. All offer a chance to immerse yourself in the contrasts of the region, with its rugged terrain and gentle way of life.

You can also discover the Maine from the water’s edge, by canoe, kayak or paddle. From Pont Caffino, the river’s steep banks and gentle curves are ideal for exploring at river level. This water-based excursion complements the land-based experience: the cliffs seen from below reveal their scale, the overhanging vines tell their story. The fauna is more discreet, but often present: dragonflies, herons, freshwater fish…