Purchasing a third-generation iPad in Paris (photos)

Hundreds gathered outside Apple's store across from the Paris opera to buy the newest iPad. Here's a look at the crowd.

Stephen Shankland

March 16, 2012 6:19 a.m. PT

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Queueing next to the Paris opera

Apple has a store across the street from the Paris opera house, a flamboyant structure that offers something nice to look at while waiting in line for a third-generation iPad.

LeKiosque promotion at the Paris iPad line

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LeKiosque promotion at the Paris iPad line

Balloon-toting women advertised LeKiosque, a company that sells digital magazines and newspapers, to French iPad customers.

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Third-generation iPad customer

Marieke Loppin waits in line in Paris to buy her fiance a new iPad. "It's his birthday gift. He's so excited to have it," she said.

Unappreciated Parisian cafe-brasserie next to iPad line

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Unappreciated Parisian cafe-brasserie next to iPad line

Paris is famous for its sidewalk cafes, but this one had no customers--perhaps because of the free coffee people for the iPad customers in line.

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PInkasfeld's new iPads

iOS programmer Joseph Pinkasfeld carries a new third-generation iPad out of the Apple store across the street from the Paris opera house, visible in the background.

Paris opera house scenery while waiting for an iPad

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Paris opera house scenery while waiting for an iPad

The copper-domed Pairs opera house across from Apple's store is adorned with sculptures of rearing centaurs, golden lyres, griffons, birds of prey, and other extravagances.

Unheeded Amazon Kindle ad by Apple store

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Unheeded Amazon Kindle ad by Apple store

This advertisement for an Amazon Kindle stood on a bus stop a few feet away from the Apple store where hundreds had queued to buy a third-generation iPad tablet instead.