To this day, the city still possesses a rich historical fabric, including its Saint-Nicholas tower, and urban heritage. The capital, Aunis, has become the most important coastal city between the Loire and Gironde estuaries. Its urban activities are multiple and strongly differentiated. A city with port and industrial functions that are still important, it has a predominantly administrative and tertiary sector that is reinforced by its university and a rapidly developing tourism industry. In the early 21st century, the city has consistently been ranked among France's most liveable cities