Les Minimes is now the largest marina of France and Europe thanks to the deep floating docks of Marillac, Bout-Blanc and Lazaret. Since the new Les Tamaris harbour was opened in 2014, La Rochelle can now accommodate 5,000 keel boats of all types. All these boats require maintenance and building, which has led to the development of a thriving nautical industry that is the backbone of La Rochelle's economy.