In April 2010, Polo Ralph Lauren unveiled its newest store on the Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris, one of the city's most prestigious shopping areas.

Housed within a historic mansion that began life as a hôtel particulier, that is, the original Parisian townhouse done on a grand scale, the building was chosen to complement the store's new flagship store which comprises the Place de la Madeleine (Menswear and Womenswear), Avenue Montaigne (Womenswear and Watches), as well as Ralph Lauren's first restaurant in Europe, Le Restaurant Ralph.

Built in the mid- 1600s, the façade features classical French architecture in limestone with rich carving and ornamentation, accented with wrought-iron balcony railings and a traditional zinc-and-slate roof.

Historical advisers were consulted to keep the building's architecture through to the original.

The building is accessed through a grand Passage Cochère, or arcade. This is dedicated to the first Ralph Lauren Watch Salon.

Move on to the courtyard where the rear buildings stand two floors high, and you encounter the Le Restaurant Ralph.

Originally designed as stables for carriages and horses, this unique area is now a place for dining. Patrons can sit under grand umbrellas, or indoors beside a majestic fireplace.

The place is a careful mix of vintage and modern fabrics with large banquettes are adorned with blue and white pillows to seat seventy guests in comfort in the courtyard.

Inside the main dining room, there are sturdy wooden beams, worn leather and unfinished limestone, conjuring a lived-in comfort ambience.

The restaurant serves imported Maine lobster, Maryland crab, the original Ralph's burger and Black Angus beef. The tenderloin and strip steaks are products of Ralph lauren's own RRL Ranch in Colorado and exclusively served at his Parisian establishment.

Classic cocktails, versions of Mint Juleps, Whiskey Sours and Ralph Lauren's favourite Frozen Margarita are expertly mixed behind the bar.