Why such nostalgia for the Boeing with the back bump? …No, it was a front bump.
A French aviation specialist said he believes it's because the plane was the first to "democratize" flying. …Oh, they love their socialistic language, do they not. Anything to get the plane away from being associated with the free market.
My only experience with France, Air France, or the Boeing 747 was in the summer of 1970 when I was flying back from Germany to report for active duty. The flight stopped in Paris (Le Bourget?) & there was some layover time.
I saw a brand new Air France 747 from the concourse window & stood there gazing at it when an Air France stewardess came up and asked me if I would like a tour of the aircraft.
Followed her into the 747, saw the huge main cabin, then walked up the circular stairs to the upper lounge. I thanked her for the tour. Once in a lifetime.
Try doing that today. Or try doing what I did in 1972 on my way back from Vietnam when I walked down the concourse of S.F. International slinging a golf bag with two rifles sticking out with the bayonets fixed. Different time.