Ultimate Guide to Goyard Tote Bag Styles: Saint Louis and More
Explore Goyard tote bags, including the Saint Louis, Anjou and Artois, with a guide to sizes, prices, key differences and what to know before buying.
Few luxury tote bags are as instantly recognizable yet discreet as Goyard’s. Distinguished by the Maison’s signature Goyardine canvas, Goyard totes have become sought-after for their lightweight construction, practical design and unmistakable chevron pattern. The Saint Louis remains the best-known Goyard tote, but the Anjou and Artois offer distinct alternatives for those seeking leather construction, greater structure or a secure zip closure.
While the three styles share a similar silhouette, their construction and functionality differ considerably. The Saint Louis is exceptionally lightweight and unstructured, the Anjou pairs Goyardine with leather and can be worn reversed, while the Artois has a more structured shape with reinforced leather corners and a zip closure. Understanding these differences is key when deciding which Goyard tote best suits your needs.
From the Saint Louis, Anjou and Artois to different sizes, colors, personalization and limited editions, this guide explores the most important Goyard tote styles and what distinguishes them, along with pricing and what to consider when buying a Goyard tote on the secondary market.
Key Takeaways: Goyard Tote Bags at a Glance
| Saint Louis Tote | Goyard's most iconic tote; reversible, lightweight, includes pouch; sizes PM, GM, XXL. |
| Anjou Tote | Reversible with leather lining; includes pouch; available in Mini, PM, MM, GM. |
| Artois Tote | Structured with zip closure and leather corners; interior pocket; sizes PM, MM, GM. |
| Limited Editions | Seasonal drops like the 2024 turquoise boost exclusivity and demand. |
| Pricing (Retail) | Ranges from $1,800 to $3,600 depending on size and model. |
| Pricing (Secondary) | Range from $2,000 and $5,500; rare pieces can exceed $7,000. |
| Collector Appeal | Goyard's exclusivity, rich heritage, and discreet luxury fuel strong demand among collectors. |
What Is a Goyard Tote Bag?
A Goyard tote is a lightweight luxury bag distinguished by the Maison’s signature Goyardine canvas, a coated material recognizable by its repeating chevron pattern. Goyard offers several tote styles, with the Saint Louis, Anjou and Artois among the best known. Although their silhouettes are similar, differences in materials, structure, lining and closures make each suited to a different type of use.
The Saint Louis is the most pared-back of the three, with an open top and flexible, unlined construction. The Anjou builds on a similar silhouette with a leather side that allows the bag to be reversed, while the Artois adds structure, reinforced leather corners and a zip closure. Together, the three models range from an exceptionally lightweight carryall to a more structured everyday tote.
Goyard History and the Origins of Goyardine
Goyard traces its history to 1853, when François Goyard took over Maison Morel, the Parisian trunk-making business where he had worked as an apprentice. The house developed its reputation through trunks and travel goods before Edmond Goyard, François's son, expanded the business and introduced the distinctive coated canvas that would become one of its signatures.
Known as Goyardine, the canvas is immediately recognizable for its repeating chevron motif, formed from interlocking Ys that reference the Goyard family name and its earlier connection to the log-driving trade. Lightweight and resistant to water, Goyardine became particularly well suited to travel goods and, eventually, everyday bags such as the Saint Louis, Anjou and Artois.
Goyard has also maintained a longstanding tradition of personalization. Initials, stripes and other motifs can be hand-painted onto Goyardine by the Maison's artisans, giving otherwise recognizable designs an individual character. Combined with limited distribution and a relatively discreet approach to branding, these details have helped make Goyard bags distinctive within the luxury handbag market.
Goyard Saint Louis: The Iconic Lightweight Tote
The Goyard Saint Louis is the Maison’s best-known tote and the model most closely associated with the Goyard name. Made from lightweight Goyardine canvas, the Saint Louis has a simple, unstructured silhouette with two leather handles, an open top and an unlined interior. A removable pouch attached by a leather strap provides a separate place for smaller belongings.
One of the defining characteristics of the Saint Louis is its exceptionally light construction. Unlike more structured luxury totes, it is designed to remain flexible and can be folded relatively flat when not in use. The bag is also reversible, allowing the Goyardine canvas or its interior face to be worn outward. These qualities have helped establish the Saint Louis as both a practical everyday bag and one of Goyard’s most recognizable designs.
Goyard Saint Louis Sizes: PM, GM and XXL
The Saint Louis is available in PM, GM and XXL sizes, with the PM and GM representing the two principal everyday options. The Saint Louis PM is the smaller and more compact choice, while the GM provides greater capacity for those who prefer a larger tote. The substantially larger XXL is designed for carrying considerably more and occupies a different place within the range.
For collectors choosing between a Goyard Saint Louis PM vs. GM, the primary consideration is capacity rather than construction: both share the same lightweight Goyardine design, open top and removable pouch. The PM offers a more compact silhouette for everyday use, while the GM provides additional space without changing the fundamental character of the Saint Louis.
Goyard Anjou: The Reversible Leather and Goyardine Tote
The Goyard Anjou shares the familiar open-top silhouette of the Saint Louis but offers a more substantial construction. One side features the Maison’s signature Goyardine canvas, while the reverse is crafted in leather, allowing the bag to be worn with either material facing outward. Like the Saint Louis, the Anjou also includes a removable pouch.
The addition of leather gives the Anjou a different look and feel from the lighter Saint Louis while preserving much of its versatility. The Anjou is available in Mini, PM, MM and GM sizes, giving the range options from a compact tote to larger everyday styles. The Mini is particularly distinct within the Goyard tote family, translating the recognizable shape into a much smaller format.
Goyard Anjou vs. Saint Louis: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between the Goyard Anjou and Saint Louis is their construction. The Saint Louis emphasizes lightness with its flexible Goyardine construction and unlined interior, while the Anjou pairs Goyardine with a full leather reverse. Both have an open top, removable pouch and similar overall silhouette, but the Anjou feels more substantial because of its additional leather construction.
For buyers deciding between the two, the Saint Louis is generally better suited to those who prioritize a lightweight tote, while the Anjou offers greater versatility in materials and appearance. Its reversible design effectively provides two distinct looks: Goyardine for the Maison’s signature aesthetic and leather for a more understated alternative.
Goyard Artois: The Structured Tote with a Zip
The Goyard Artois offers a more structured alternative to both the Saint Louis and Anjou. Made from Goyardine canvas with leather handles and reinforced leather corners, the Artois is designed to hold its shape more readily than the Saint Louis. Its most notable practical feature is a zip closure, making it the principal choice among these Goyard totes for those who prefer a more secure top.
The interior also differs from the Saint Louis and Anjou. Rather than a removable pouch, the Artois features an interior pocket for smaller belongings. Available in PM, MM and GM sizes, the model combines the recognizable appearance of Goyardine with additional structure and reinforcement for everyday use.
Goyard Artois vs. Saint Louis: What’s the Difference?
The Goyard Artois and Saint Louis differ primarily in structure, closure and interior organization. The Saint Louis is lightweight, flexible and open at the top, while the Artois has reinforced leather corners, a more structured silhouette and a zip closure. The Saint Louis includes a removable pouch; the Artois instead has an interior pocket.
For those deciding between the two, the Saint Louis prioritizes lightness and simplicity, while the Artois offers greater structure and a secure closure. These differences make the Artois particularly relevant for buyers who like the look of a Goyard tote but want more organization and reinforcement than the Saint Louis provides.
Goyard Tote Sizes Explained
Goyard tote sizing varies by model. The Saint Louis is offered in PM, GM and XXL, the Anjou in Mini, PM, MM and GM, and the Artois in PM, MM and GM. Although size names overlap, the dimensions and proportions are not identical across models, so a PM in one Goyard tote should not necessarily be treated as equivalent to a PM in another.
For everyday use, the right size largely depends on how much you plan to carry. Smaller sizes offer a more compact silhouette, while GM versions provide considerably more capacity. The Anjou Mini occupies a category of its own, offering the recognizable Goyard tote shape at a much smaller scale, while the Saint Louis XXL sits at the opposite end of the range.
Goyard Saint Louis PM vs. GM
The Saint Louis PM and GM are the two most commonly compared Goyard tote sizes. The PM offers a more compact proportion for everyday essentials, while the GM provides additional room for those who regularly carry larger items or simply prefer an oversized tote.
Because both sizes share the same Goyardine construction, open top and removable pouch, choosing between the Saint Louis PM and GM is primarily a question of scale and capacity rather than features. Buyers should also consider how the larger dimensions affect the way the bag sits when carried, particularly given the Saint Louis's naturally flexible, unstructured construction.
How Much Does a Goyard Tote Cost?
Goyard tote prices vary considerably by model, size and material. At retail, the lightweight Saint Louis is generally the most accessible of the three principal tote styles, while the leather-lined Anjou commands a higher price. The more structured Artois falls between the two depending on size. Prices also increase as you move from smaller PM or Mini formats to larger MM, GM and XXL versions.
On the secondary market, Goyard tote prices depend on the model, size, condition, color and rarity of the individual bag. Saint Louis totes typically range from $2,000 to $3,000, while Anjou and Artois totes often range from approximately $3,000 to $5,500. Limited editions, unusual colorways and highly sought-after designs can command more. Hand-painted personalization can also distinguish an individual bag, although its effect on value depends on the design and buyer demand.
Goyard Saint Louis vs. Anjou vs. Artois: Which Tote Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Goyard Saint Louis, Anjou and Artois largely comes down to how much weight, structure and security you want from an everyday tote. While all three feature the Maison’s signature Goyardine canvas, each offers a noticeably different carrying experience.
The Saint Louis is the lightest and most flexible choice, making it well suited to those who prioritize a simple, spacious carryall. The Anjou offers a similar silhouette but adds a leather reverse, giving the bag a more substantial feel and two ways to wear it. The Artois is the most structured of the three, with reinforced leather corners, an interior pocket and a zip closure for those who prefer greater security and organization.
| If You Prioritize... | Goyard Tote |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, flexible construction | Saint Louis |
| Reversible Goyardine and leather | Anjou |
| Structure and reinforced corners | Artois |
| A zip closure | Artois |
| A removable pouch | Saint Louis or Anjou |
| A compact Mini option | Anjou |
Buying a Goyard Tote on the Secondary Market
The secondary market offers access to Goyard totes across different models, sizes and colors, including examples that may no longer be readily available at retail. When considering a Goyard tote, look beyond the model alone. Condition, size, color, age and rarity can all influence desirability and price, while limited editions and unusual designs may command premiums over more widely available versions.
For collectors, the secondary market can also provide access to discontinued styles, seasonal releases and distinctive personalized pieces. Whether considering the lightweight Saint Louis, reversible Anjou or structured Artois, understanding the characteristics of the individual bag and buying from a trusted source are essential. Sotheby’s offers authenticated Goyard bags through auctions and its Buy Now marketplace, providing access to a continually evolving selection for collectors and buyers worldwide.
Goyard Tote FAQs
What is the most popular Goyard tote bag?
The Goyard Saint Louis is the Maison’s best-known tote. Its lightweight Goyardine construction, simple open-top design and range of sizes have made it a signature Goyard style.
What is the difference between the Goyard Saint Louis and Artois?
The Saint Louis is lightweight, flexible and open at the top, while the Artois is more structured and features reinforced leather corners and a zip closure. The Saint Louis includes a removable pouch; the Artois has an interior pocket.
What is the difference between the Goyard Saint Louis and Anjou?
The main difference is construction. The Saint Louis is made primarily from lightweight Goyardine, while the Anjou combines Goyardine with a leather reverse. Both have open tops and removable pouches, but the Anjou has a more substantial feel.
Which Goyard tote has a zipper?
The Goyard Artois has a zip closure. This distinguishes it from the Saint Louis and Anjou, which both have open-top designs.
Which Goyard tote is best for everyday use?
It depends on what you prioritize. The Saint Louis is ideal for a lightweight, flexible tote; the Anjou adds leather and reversibility; and the Artois offers more structure, reinforced corners and a secure zip closure.
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