The arrondissement contains the northern, quieter part of the medieval district of Le Marais (while the 4th arrondissement contains Le Marais' more lively southern part, notably including the gay district of Paris).
It also contains the Renaissance square of Place des Vosges, the overtly modern Pompidou Centre and the lively southern part of the medieval district of Le Marais, which today is known for being the gay district of Paris (while the more quiet northern part of Le Marais is contained inside the 3rd arrondissement).
The commercial area of Eureka Valley, centered around the intersection of 18th Street and Castro Street, was transformed in the 1970s with the development of the gay community known as "The Castro."
After living in New York City, it was his intention to create a strong vibrant gay community similar to the East Village in New York.
The southern West End and Parkville also serve as the local Gay village.
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The West End is also home to Vancouver's gay village, called Davie Village, centred primarily on Davie Street between Burrard and Bute, with a substantial LGBT population living throughout the West End.