FleaSpeech

Talk about "reuse" and "recycle!"

Worldwide, flea markets serve community-enhancing and economic functions. But have you ever thought about how they are "green" endeavors?

Flea markets use little if any electricity. They feature a lot of items that are handmade, or perhaps were once mass produced, but aren't any longer. Many other items in flea markets end up being purchased and "repurposed." Flea Markets are more pedestrian/people-friendly than they are car-friendly. They tend to be welcome fixtures in their neighborhoods.

Flea markets are good things for everyone to promote!

To the barricades! Paris flea market vendor up in arms.

FleaSpeech was surprised to discover that the Duke of Westminster, Britain's third-wealthiest person, came to own the famous Saint-Ouen flea market in Paris in 2005. Now he may be attempting to raise the rents!

Parisians have revolted against the Duke of Westminster after he raised rents to levels that they claimed would destroy one of the city's most celebrated attractions.... To mark the start of a World Antiques Fair – held once every two years — up to 400 stall-holders wore black T-shirts bearing the slogan "Your flea-market is in danger".
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Traders accuse the duke of wanting to transform the traditional flea-market into a luxury market like the Louvre des Antiquaires, an expensive antiques arcade in central Paris. In a statement, Grosvenor Continental Europe said that "only a few tenants who failed to respect their contractual obligations have received letters of non-renewal".

Puces de St. Ouen

Blogger "Ev" in Paris gives an enthusiastic description of the Puces de St. Ouen, the famous weekend flea market in Paris. Some say that the very term "flea market" was inspired by Saint-Ouen's centuries-out market.

(Photo, "Old Friends" taken by Flickr member Colodio at the Puces de St. Ouen.)

Brussels' famous "Les Marolles" neighborhood fleas

From the blog, Topics from 192 Countires:

In ["Les Marolles"] also is the famous "Flea market" This market was already mentioned in early 16th century and in 1873 merchants settled officially in there. The market takes place every day since 1919
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You can find everything there, antiques[,]...furniture....

The market is always very colorful and surrounded by little cafés and restaurants which are very old and typical.