Orly and its belvedere. Image from http://www.entrevoisins.org/orly-sud-aeroport-annee-60.aspx

Paris- Orly, and mainly its first terminal, is the testimony of the democratization of aviation; flight was still expensive and out of reach for the common citizen, but it was already closer, something not out of this world. The Orly airport rooftop belvedere became a visit hotspot for families on Sundays, coming in their increasingly affordable cars, to see the airplanes, surprising jets representing the highest technology. Later came terrorism, the rooftop belvedere was closed and the airport began to age.  Caravelle jets were replaced by Airbus, flying is today a common experience, but no one goes to see the planes on Sunday…