Goyard Tote FAQ + Guide: St Louis, Artois, Anjou Comparison

jcrew sophie cardigan gray mommy and me outfit

$15 sunglasses, M.Gemi sneakers 35 (comfy & light! JEAN60 for $60 off), J.Crew cardigan xxxs, Everlane jeans ankle (TTS), Quince cashmere xs (EXTRAPETITE5 for 5% off $100+)// On Nori: H&M sweatsuit 3T (old print), sneakers

Even after owning my Goyard St. Louis tote for many years now, it’s still one of my most asked about handbags any time it makes an appearance and landed at the top of my most used handbags list! However, Goyard is not the easiest to shop brand since they’re not sold online and only have a handful of stores in the US, so I wanted to provide details along with updated 2021 pricing for anyone considering a purchase. They currently have 3 classic tote options in their signature coated canvas material:

  • St. Louis – Super light, unstructured tote with roomy capacity. Open top w/ detachable pouch.
  • Artois – Thicker, more structured tote with reinforced leather bottom corners. Zipper top.
  • Anjou – Reversible tote with coated canvas on one side and solid leather on the other. Open top.

Funny enough, Nick first gifted me a St. Louis 10 years ago and I promptly returned it thinking it was impractical. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and eventually repurchased it years later! When I bought my St. Louis these other options were not yet available, otherwise I would’ve gone for the Artois without a doubt. But everything worked out, since the same reasons I was hesitant about the St. Louis turned out to be why I reach for it so darn much! It’s light as a feather, folds flat and small for travel, is easy to reach in & out of quickly, and the lack of structure lets me fit a lot inside without it looking oversized.

jcrew sophie cardigan petite white jeans styling outfit idea

Scroll down for my comparisons and photos of how I’ve styled my Goyard bags for everyday, work, and travel! I also found this PurseBlog article about the brand’s history to be an interesting read.

goyard bag st louis vs artois comparison
Goyard Artois bag (right side) borrowed from @juliaroseboston 

1. St. Louis

Sizes
PM: 6″w x 13″l x 11″ h,  7.5″ strap drop Note: I own the smaller PM size
GM: 7.5″ w x 15.5″l x 12.5″ h 7.5″ strap drop

PM and GM are abbreviations for petite modèle (petite / small model) and grand modèle (large model)

Price
Classic: PM – $1,285 // GM – $1,495
Colors: PM – $1,605 // GM – $1,870

Classic colors = the print I have pictured in this blog post with either brown leather trim or black leather trim. 

The St. Louis was the first to be released and has the most simple design and features of the three totes. At 5 feet tall I personally prefer the smaller PM size, however my friend who is the same size has the GM to use as an everyday tote / diaper bag for her two kids. Since the bag is very pliable, it won’t look as big as a structured tote with the same dimensions.

Features

  • Weight: Extremely lightweight coated canvas.
  • Structure: Most pliable and unstructured out of their 3 totes. Folds completely flat, making it great for travel. You can add an acrylic base shaper insert, though I have one and don’t use it much since I don’t mind the slouchy base.
  • Closure: Open top with no zipper, so I used to use a laptop sleeve with zipper to contain large loose items in addition to the small wallet pouch that comes with it.

According to an SA, the St. Louis was originally made to be a beach tote and therefore was not intended to carry heavy items and may wear out quicker than their other two totes. With that said, I personally have used mine to lug around a light laptop and daily essentials for quite some time without notable wear & tear, BUT I am very careful with all my bags and don’t put them on the floor, etc.

Goyard St Louis tote review
What fits inside a Goyard Artois PM (my laptop is a 13″ Macbook Air)
Rothy’s leopard flats (my review), T.D.E clear pouch (older style; similar)

2. Artois

Sizes
PM: 5.5″ w x 12″ l x 9.5″ h, 8″ strap drop
MM: 6″ w x 14.5″ l  x 11.5″ h, 10″ strap drop

Price
Classic: PM – $1,740 // MM – $2,125
Colors: PM – $2,175  // MM – $2,530

Features

The added features on this bag address the most common complaints with the St. Louis tote. Instead of an open top on the St. Louis, the Artois has a zipper and is made of a thicker, sturdier feeling double-lined canvas for more structure making it a more professional looking tote. It also has leather reinforcements on the bottom four corners (which you could add to your St. Louis for $250).

The Artois shoulder straps are also the longest of the three bags, making it a more comfortable fit as an over-the-shoulder bag. One complaint about the St. Louis smaller PM size is that the handle strap is sometimes too short for wearing on the shoulder over a thick winter coat.

Another thing to note about the Artois is its size. The Artois PM and MM sizes are slightly smaller than their St. Louis PM and GM sisters, which is why I still love my roomy St. Louis as a throw everything & my kitchen sink inside kinda tote.

  • Weight: Still very lightweight since it’s mostly coated canvas, but not as light as the St. Louis
  • Structure: Not rigidly structured, but is the most structured out of the 3 and is thicker than the St. Louis. Bag stands up straight on its own when empty, while the St. Louis does not.
  • Closure: Sturdy feeling zipper top
3. Anjou

Sizes
PM: 6″ w x 13″l x 11″ h, 7″ strap drop
GM: 7.75″w x  15.25″ l x 13″ h 7.75″ strap drop

Price
Classic: PM – $2,190 // GM – $2,600
Colors: PM – $2,845 // GM – $3,380

Features

The reversible Anjou is the most expensive of the three tote options due to the large amount of leather on the reversible side. An SA told me that both sides are water-resistant, and while I know that the coated canvas on my St. Louis does wipe off easily if it gets slightly damp, I don’t own the Anjou so can’t speak from personal experience! It’s available in a mini, PM and GM size (no medium MM). Personally, while I love the idea of reversibility, this would be my last choice out of the 3 since I don’t really see myself ever wanting to use the solid leather side.

  • Weight: Heaviest out of the 3 bags but still lightweight compared to leather totes from other brands (feels like a feather compared to larger Celine leather totes!)
  • Structure: Softly structured due to the leather side.
  • Closure: Open top

Reversible Goyard Anjou PM

How to Purchase a Goyard Bag

Goyard currently has stores in Beverly Hills, Dallas, Miami, New York City and San Francisco. Last I checked they can also be found in Neiman Marcus Chicago, and at Bergdorf’s in NYC. If you don’t live near a store, you can call and order a bag over the phone – they’re only able to ship to your billing address and will first send you an invoice outlining the cost of the bag and shipping details before taking your credit card information over the phone. Ground shipping is $30 and you won’t be charged tax if you live in a state that doesn’t have a store. Note: phone orders are final sale only. You can purchase from NM over the phone and charge it to a regular credit card, they also just require that the billing and shipping address be the same.

Thank you to @juliaroseboston who kindly lent us the Artois from her inventory! As a note, all of her consignment & new items for sale are listed in their Instagram stories, not in-feed.

Styled for Everyday

blush pink trench coat mgemi felize pastoso loafers travel outfit

Similar trench coat, Everlane jeans, M.Gemi loafers 35.5 ($60 off w/ JEAN60) // Outfit from this post

petite gray cropped leather jacket travel outfit ideas

Similar pleated skirt and moto jacket // Outfit from this post

goyard gray pm quay after hours sunglasses for asian fit faces

marc fisher izzie hiker combat boots petite fashion blog

Styled for Work

business formal workwear theory suit for petite women

Theory blazer (updated version; very petite friendly) 00 + pants // Outfit from this post

goyard st louis tote j crew petite coat

Styled for Travel

europe honeymoon to london paris couple travel

Topshop coat (old; similar), Sam Edelman boots 5, Brics suitcase // Outfit from this post

goyard st louis tote toptote magnetic hat clip

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

For Daily Posts

Leave a Comment

37 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    hi! thanks for this great article. the edges of the straps on my blue St. Louis melt into my skin and clothes when the weather is warm.

    are the edges of the Artois made the same way? are the edges covered with the same waxy material?

    Posted 6.20.23 Reply
  2. Jennifer wrote:

    Hi Jean, just curious what color is the dark one? Is it gray?

    Posted 4.3.23 Reply
  3. Lucy Chen wrote:

    Thank you so much for your review! I just got the Artois (GM) but wondering if I should grab the St. Louis (GM) instead. After this time has passed, do you now recommend and reach for your St. Louis more or your Artois? Which is your all-time favorite if you had to choose one? I plan on using mine for work daily and travel. I feel like I would like the slouchy comfortable feel of the St. Louis, but having a more structured and sturdier build of the Artois also has clear benefits as well. Thank you!

    Posted 8.3.22 Reply
  4. Noelle wrote:

    I’ve been wanting to buy a St. Louis PM for a while now but have been put off by comments on its flimsiness. I’m also 5’1″ so I want a bag that I can throw stuff in that’s not quite as big as my Neverfull, and I think this one will fit the bill. The base shaper looks like a great idea as well since I want to put my laptop in it when I travel, plus some other stuff for my 1-year-old! Unrelated question though – where is that amazing blue coat from in the pictures of you at the store??

    Posted 2.24.22 Reply
  5. Casey wrote:

    Have you had any issues with the straps melting and causing color transfer? I was considering buying a St Louis but have seen a bunch of posts online where people have mentioned that issue so wasn’t sure if it was common or just had to do with caring for the bag properly. Thanks!!

    Posted 1.27.22 Reply
  6. Tiffany Thompson wrote:

    Great article and most current info I’ve found! Have you tried a base shaper or insert in your St Louis? I’m tempted to try an acrylic one to not lose the unstructured feel but avoid too much sag. Thanks!

    Posted 1.16.22 Reply
  7. Marissa wrote:

    Hi Jean. Do you think the St Louis PM would make a good diaper bag or is it too small? I’m torn between PM and GM but GM looks huge online.

    Posted 1.12.22 Reply
  8. Lorry Cates wrote:

    I purchased the original (black) Artois this November at the flagship store in Paris. My husband surprised me by showing up at their store to let me pick out a purse.
    Now I need a new billfold but I felt it was too much to get a matching billfold. I have a Burberry and feel like it just too much too. Can you suggest a nice but low key wallet to go with my new Artois? Thank you.

    Posted 12.27.21 Reply
    • Anonymous wrote:

      Try Celine wallet. Lowkey and cute

      Posted 1.11.22 Reply
  9. Grace wrote:

    This is a great post, thank you so much!! I think this may push me over the edge to finally buy the Goyard! I also love the accessories you put inside your bag. Can you share the style of your Prada card holder and the size of the clear pouch? Thanks!

    Posted 4.10.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Sorry these are old pieces so I don’t have the Prada style # unfortunately! Clear pouch was from The Daily Edited but I’ve misplaced it after moving

      Posted 4.13.21 Reply
  10. Debbie wrote:

    You make it look so good and the reason I decided I wanted one! I was lucky that my husband listened and got me one as a push present for our first born. <3

    Posted 3.29.21 Reply
  11. Anne wrote:

    I thought I’d share some info because I recently did a distant order (2 weeks ago) from Goyard and I must say it is a very tedious process and wouldn’t recommend it. Unfortunately, I don’t live near a Goyard store. I didn’t order through the phone (didn’t know that was an option) and did everything by e-mail. After you answer some questions regarding your oder, they will e-mail you back with an invoice that you have to sign and then e-mail back to them. Once they receive the signed form, someone from the store will call you to collect payment. This was quite inconvenient because of my long working hours, so I sent another email back and they told me to call the store instead. After calling and giving my payment, I asked if I can get confirmation with tracking information once shipped. I did not hear back from them ~2 days so I emailed back asking for the shipping information. They took a screenshot with the ETA of the package without the tracking number. I then asked for the tracking number so I know for sure when it’ll arrive (it didn’t arrive according to their screenshot), and their reply was “they are not able to share the tracking number because of recent fraudulent deliveries and scams with Fedex.” I do hope I get my purse! If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I would certainly travel to a physical Goyard store. You would think with a high end store, they would provide tracking information. I thought I’d share my recent distant order to help any others in a similar situation.

    Posted 3.26.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Anne, thank you for sharing your experience. So sorry to hear that it was a tedious process and I hope your bag arrives quickly and with no further troubles!

      Posted 3.31.21 Reply
    • Beth wrote:

      I signed up for an account with FedEx so I am notified with any incoming shipment to me. I agree, it is a hassle but it worked for me… with the automated notification from FedEx

      Posted 8.1.21 Reply
  12. HN wrote:

    Oh never mind please disregard/delete my comment below. I just realized I meant to ask about the St. Louis but accidentally requested the Anjou pricing which is different. Your pricing is accurate! Mom Brain!

    Posted 3.23.21 Reply
  13. HN wrote:

    Hi! I just inquired about the distance sale to be sent to WA and the price they quoted me (from the SF Goyard location) for the GM Anjou were: Classic black: $2,695.00
    Special/ Grey: $3,370.00

    There’s no tax and only $30 shipping as you mentioned but the pricing seems a lot different than what you noted as above. Was there a price increase recently?

    Posted 3.23.21 Reply
  14. Maureen wrote:

    Great handbag comparison review! I have always liked the look of the Artois and I love that it is reversible.

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
  15. May wrote:

    How funny! my boyfriend and I were in Paris and waited over an hour to get into the Goyard store. I looked at the St. Louis and thought it was really thin and flimsy so I ended up not buying it. I had no idea they had the Artois style otherwise I would have gotten that one. Now I know for next time. Thanks!

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      I had the same initial thoughts for the St Louis! It definitely has its benefits being so thin and pliable, but yes, the Artois is a great alternative that I think many would love instead!

      Posted 3.31.21 Reply
  16. Vivien wrote:

    Love this comparison post! I have the Artois and it is a super versatile bag and surprisingly sturdy.

    One thing to note (but I’m not sure if it is still the case) is that with the Artois, it comes with free monogramming. The location of the monogram can either be on one of the flaps that make up the closure/zipper area or on the top-middle outside of the bag (between the straps). You will have to wait a couple weeks for it to be ready for pick-up.

    I have experienced fading of the print where it rubs against the side of my body when I wear it on my shoulder, but I guess that is to be expected with daily use and I don’t mind it too much!

    Posted 3.13.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      I didn’t know that they still offered that for the Artois! That’s a great benefit for those who love the personalization since it’s usually a pricey add on.

      Posted 3.31.21 Reply
  17. Noelle wrote:

    I had a question. I purchased a goyard at Louis pm from BG in New York and they shipped to me in Georgia but I was charged tax. Your post says that they don’t charge tax if there is no store that carries them in your home state. So I was curious if that rule changed? I asked the SA and she said that it is untrue. Thanks so much!!! Love the article!

    Posted 3.12.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Noelle, thank you for sharing your experience! I wonder if it’s related to purchasing from Bergdorfs and not a Goyard store directly?

      Posted 3.31.21 Reply
      • Brooke wrote:

        Hi! Yes, I would believe it’s because you bought through BG. Bergorfs is owned by Neiman Marcus and there are Neimans in GA.

        Posted 10.6.21 Reply
  18. Miu @meetinghalfway wrote:

    Hi Jean – Thank you SO much for this post. With your thorough & trusted reviews, I’ve finally made my decision to get Artois style for sure!! Ever since I saw you carry Goyard totes, they’ve been on my wish list for such a long time. Still I just couldn’t justify myself investing in St. Louis “beach bags” style even though they’re light & petite friendly.

    Posted 3.12.21 Reply
  19. Pam wrote:

    Hi Jean, with regards to your first outfit, how have you found the J. Crew cardigan jacket and Quince cashmere sweater? Do they wear well over time, or does it tend to pill?

    Posted 3.12.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Pam, sorry for delay! With knits I only wash when I need to because over washing is damaging on all knits. Make sure never to machine dry them. They wear pretty well and if there are pills I just shave with a cashmere comb or electric sweater shaver like I do all my sweaters.

      Posted 3.31.21 Reply
  20. Neeltje wrote:

    I love the classy look of the Goyard tote. It’s definitely on my wish list. X

    Posted 3.12.21 Reply
  21. Mo wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    Thanks for the review.

    If you were a first time luxury bag buyer which one would you recommend going for ? The LV or the Goyard ?

    Posted 3.12.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Mo, totally depends on your personal tastes, but the LV Neverfull is a heavier weight, thicker, and feels more durable to many than the Goyard! So if durability is a key concern and you’ll be carrying a lot daily you might want the LV over Goyard.

      Posted 3.31.21 Reply
      • Celeste wrote:

        Hi Jean, I am also deciding between the LV and Goyard. I like the durability of the LV fabric but also like the lightness of the Goyard. I’m curious now that you have 2 young kids (I do as well), do you still use this tote as much? And would you still recommend it for this stage in life? Thanks!

        Posted 6.1.22 Reply
        • Tasha wrote:

          I bought my goyard (larger one) as a diaper bag. It was a workhorse. It could carry everything for my baby and toddler and perfect since it was lightweight. I would toss it under the stroller almost everyday and it’s held up very nicely. Since I got the larger one, I don’t use it as much now that they are bigger but prefer a messenger style. Hope this helps.

          Posted 7.20.22 Reply
  22. Rebecca wrote:

    Jean! This post is incredibly thorough and timely! I’m actually passing through SF next week, and am planning to make an appointment at Goyard to choose between the St. Louis and Artois! Quick question – you mentioned you never put your bags on the ground. How do you handle this during travel when we have to put things underneath the seat in front of us? I once ruined a LV bag this way during travel when I later learned the carpet was wet under the seat in front of me, so would love your thoughts! Thanks! Rebecca, Madison, WI

    Posted 3.11.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Rebecca – fun! I don’t think I’ve ever been to a Goyard store in the U.S. So air travel is the exception I forgot about … that’s unavoidable unfortunately (unless you can fit it in the overhead bin) and what a bummer about your LV. What I have seen a few ppl do with their luxury bags is to bring an oversized dustbag that folds up small to keep inside your tote, and then slip your nicer purse into the dustbag before putting it on the floor.

      Posted 3.12.21 Reply
  23. Claire wrote:

    I bought a green tote (I think it’s the Artois) in Paris at their site near the Place Vendome. I love the look of the pliable leather but mine is suuuper stiff. I don’t use it much because I hate how stiff it is. I should probably use more to get it to loosen up.

    Posted 3.11.21 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Claire, I’m wondering if it’s the Anjou (the reversible one) since you said the look of leather? Hopefully it breaks in a bit with wear.

      Posted 3.12.21 Reply

Get the newsletter!

What updates would you like?