Complete Guide To Goyard Bags

Goyard does not make it easy to understand its bags. The maison has no advertising, no public pricing, no online shop for most of its history, and its website provides only the most minimal product descriptions. Walk into a Goyard boutique and you'll find beautiful objects with names like Saïgon, Belvedere, and Jouvence, each with a story you're expected to already know. For a brand that has existed since 1853, this approach has served it well: the exclusivity is part of the appeal. But for anyone trying to figure out which Goyard bag is right for them, the lack of accessible information can be genuinely frustrating.

This guide is designed to fix that. We'll walk through every major Goyard bag model currently in production, compare them directly against each other, explain the sizing logic, break down the materials, and help you decide which Goyard to buy first (and which to add second). Whether you're choosing between the Saint Louis and the Anjou, wondering if the Saïgon is worth the premium, or trying to understand what the 233 even is, you'll find your answers here.

The Goyard Naming System

Before we get into individual bags, it helps to understand how Goyard names its products. Unlike most luxury houses that use abstract words or celebrity names, Goyard draws exclusively from its own history. Every bag name connects to French royalty, Goyard family history, or the maison's geographic roots.

The Saint Louis is named after King Louis IX of France, who was canonised as "Saint Louis." The Anjou is named after Charles I, Duke of Anjou, the younger brother of Louis IX. The 233 is the street number of Goyard's historic boutique at 233 Rue Saint Honoré in Paris. The Saint Honoré references the street itself. The Belvedere is named after the viewpoint overlooking the Morvan Forest where the Goyard family worked as log drivers. The Saïgon takes its name from the Vietnamese city where a French client commissioned the original bag in the 1930s. And the Jouvence comes from "fontaine de jouvence," the French fountain of youth. Knowing these connections isn't necessary for buying a bag, but it adds a layer of appreciation that makes owning Goyard more meaningful.

The Goyard Totes: Saint Louis, Anjou, and Artois

Goyard's tote bags are the core of the collection and the models most people think of first. All three share the same basic silhouette (an open top tote in Goyardine canvas), but they serve different needs and the differences between them matter more than you might expect.

The Saint Louis: The Icon

The Saint Louis is Goyard's most famous bag and the one that put the brand on the cultural radar. Introduced in the 1930s, it was one of the first luxury reversible totes. The exterior is Goyardine canvas with the hand painted chevron pattern. The interior is a simple cotton and linen lining. The handles are thin leather straps. There is no closure, no structure, and no rigidity. When the Saint Louis is empty, it folds nearly flat.

That simplicity is the point. The Saint Louis is the lightest tote you can buy from any major luxury house. It weighs practically nothing, carries a remarkable volume for its size, and the coated Goyardine canvas resists water and scratches with zero fuss. It's the beach bag, the grocery bag, the "I'm running out for an hour and might buy a few things" bag. It comes in PM, GM, and XXL sizes, and every one ships with a detachable pochette in a matching colourway.

The trade offs are real: the Saint Louis has no internal structure (it collapses when you set it down), the thin handles can be uncomfortable under heavy loads, and the cotton interior shows wear faster than leather. But for the price (the most accessible entry point into Goyard totes), it offers extraordinary value.

The Anjou: The Upgrade

The Anjou is the Saint Louis's more refined sibling. Same silhouette, same open top design, same detachable pochette. But the interior is full Chevroches calfskin leather instead of cotton canvas. That single change transforms the bag. The leather adds body and structure, the handles are thicker and more comfortable, and most importantly, the Anjou is fully reversible. Flip it inside out and you're carrying a clean, monochrome leather tote with the canvas hidden inside. Two bags in one.

The Anjou comes in Mini (21cm x 20cm x 10.5cm), PM (33cm x 28cm x 14cm), and GM (39cm x 33cm x 18cm). The PM is the everyday sweet spot and the most popular size globally. At approximately $2,980 USD retail for the PM, the Anjou commands a meaningful premium over the Saint Louis, but the leather interior, reversibility, and added structure justify the step up for anyone who wants a single tote that covers both casual and professional settings.

One important note: the Anjou has no shoulder strap on any size, including the Mini. It's hand carry only. If you need hands free carry from a Goyard tote, the Artois doesn't solve this either, but the Belvedere and 233 crossbodies are the answer.

The Artois: The Structured One

The Artois, introduced in 2018, is the newest of the three totes and the most structured. It adds reinforced Chevroches calfskin leather corners, a flat base that lets the bag stand upright, and a zip closure across the top. The Artois is not reversible (the interior is a lighter weight lining), but it addresses the two biggest complaints about the Saint Louis and Anjou: it keeps its shape, and it keeps its contents secure.

The Artois comes in PM, MM, and GM sizes. It's the right choice for anyone who sets their bag down at a desk or restaurant table and wants it to stand upright and stay closed. The zip closure also makes it the strongest travel tote in the lineup, since nothing can fall out during movement. If you want the most practical, no compromise Goyard tote, the Artois is it.

How to Choose Between the Three

The decision often comes down to how you use a tote. If you want the lightest, most affordable option and don't mind the lack of structure, the Saint Louis is the classic. If you want the leather upgrade and reversibility and are willing to pay the premium, the Anjou gives you two bags in one. If you want structure, a zip closure, and a bag that stands up on its own, the Artois is the practical winner. Many Goyard collectors eventually own at least two of the three.

The Goyard Crossbodies: Belvedere and 233

For hands free carry, Goyard offers two crossbody options with very different characters.

The Belvedere: The Everyday Messenger

The Belvedere is Goyard's messenger style crossbody, named after the viewpoint overlooking the Morvan Forest where the Goyard family began as log drivers. It's a reinterpretation of the small bags those log drivers carried to hold food and tools, reimagined in Goyardine canvas with Decize Taurillon leather trim and Palladium hardware.

The Belvedere comes in PM (22cm x 16cm x 7cm) and MM (29cm x 23cm x 9cm). The PM carries a phone, wallet, keys, and a few essentials. The MM adds room for a small tablet and additional items. The front flap secures with a single leather strap through an engraved Palladium loop marked "Goyard Paris." The strap is removable and adjustable for shoulder or crossbody wear. The Belvedere is particularly popular with men, and its unisex messenger silhouette makes it one of the most versatile pieces in the collection.

The 233: The Refined Crossbody

The 233 is named after Goyard's historic address at 233 Rue Saint Honoré in Paris. It's a compact shoulder bag with a saddle bag silhouette, a structured front flap, and the signature Goyard seal clasp (a miniature of the seal found on the maison's trunk plaques). The leather strap slides between four metal eyelets, allowing shoulder or crossbody wear.

The 233 measures approximately 25cm x 17cm x 8cm and weighs about 750 grams. It's more polished than the Belvedere, with the seal clasp and saddle bag shape giving it a refined character that transitions from daytime to evening. Where the Belvedere is the bag you grab for errands and everyday life, the 233 is the bag you choose when you want something more considered.

Belvedere vs 233: Which Crossbody to Choose

If you want a relaxed, everyday messenger for running around a city, commuting, or casual weekends, the Belvedere is the more natural fit. If you want something more structured and refined that works for evening as well as day, the 233 is the stronger choice. The Belvedere is utilitarian luxury. The 233 is considered luxury. Both are excellent, and they serve different moments.

The Goyard Statement Piece: Saïgon

The Saïgon is unlike anything else in Goyard's collection, and unlike anything in the broader luxury handbag market. It's a structured top handle bag that borrows every construction detail from Goyard's trunk making tradition: a hand carved beechwood handle, polished wood batons running down the front flap, metal rivets, and reinforced leather corners. It was originally a 1930s special order for a French customer living in Indochina, and Goyard reissued it as a permanent collection piece.

The Saïgon comes in two constructions. The Structuré has the full trunk making details (wood batons, rivets, leather corners) and a rigid trapezoidal shape. The Souple removes the wood batons and rivets for a softer, more relaxed silhouette. Both feature the beechwood handle and a removable shoulder strap. Available sizes include Nano (approximately 14.5cm x 9.5cm x 7cm), Mini (approximately 20cm x 15cm x 7.5cm), and PM (approximately 28cm x 20cm x 12cm).

The Saïgon is the formal, statement option in the Goyard range. While the totes are for everyday carry and the crossbodies are for convenience, the Saïgon is for occasions where you want a bag that communicates craft, heritage, and deliberate intention. It's also Goyard's strongest performer on the secondary market, with structured models consistently holding or exceeding retail value. Starting at approximately $3,500 USD for the Mini and rising to over $5,000 for the Structuré PM, the Saïgon is the most significant investment in Goyard's handbag lineup.

The Goyard Utility Piece: Jouvence

The Jouvence is Goyard's most practical and most underrated piece. Named after the French "fontaine de jouvence" (fountain of youth), it's a reissue of a 1960s Goyard clutch designed for travellers. Officially a toiletry bag, the Jouvence doubles convincingly as a clutch thanks to its Goyardine canvas exterior and clean zip top silhouette.

The vertical shape (taller than it is wide) keeps bottles and tubes upright to prevent spills. The interior is lined with water resistant cotton that wipes clean easily. A loop tab lets you hang the bag from a hook in a bathroom or clip it inside a suitcase. Available in PM (approximately 15cm x 19cm x 5.5cm), MM (approximately 19cm x 24.5cm x 7cm), and GM (approximately 23cm x 29cm x 8cm).

At approximately $1,260 USD retail, the Jouvence is one of the most accessible entry points into the Goyard universe. It's also one of the best luxury gifts you can buy: universally useful, unisex, and a genuine introduction to Goyard's materials and craftsmanship at a fraction of the price of a full handbag. Many collectors start here and work their way up to a tote or Saïgon.

The Saint Honoré

The Saint Honoré rounds out the Goyard lineup as another structured option, named after the street where Goyard has been based for over 170 years. It serves a similar formal niche as the Saïgon but with a different construction and silhouette. If you want a structured Goyard bag with a personality distinct from the Saïgon's trunk inspired aesthetic, the Saint Honoré is worth exploring.

Goyard Materials: A Quick Guide

Goyard uses several proprietary materials, and understanding them helps when comparing models.

Goyardine canvas is the signature material, a coated canvas made from cotton, linen, and hemp with the hand painted chevron pattern created in 1892. It's remarkably durable, water resistant, and develops character with use. Goyardine appears on every Goyard bag in some form.

Chevroches calfskin is Goyard's house calfskin leather, used on the Anjou's interior, the 233's flap and strap, the Jouvence's trim, and various other applications. It's smooth, supple, and ages gracefully.

Decize Taurillon is a full grain bull leather with a textured surface, used on the Belvedere's flap, strap, and trim. It's chosen for its scratch resistance and durability in daily crossbody wear.

Clamecy Cowhide and Courcelanges Calfskin appear on the Saïgon in various configurations. The Saïgon also features beechwood in its handle and batons, making it the only Goyard bag that incorporates wood as a structural material.

Goyard Pricing and Value

Goyard does not publicly list prices, and values vary by region. As a general guide based on current market data: the Saint Louis PM starts around $1,600 USD, the Anjou PM around $2,980, the Artois MM around $2,710, the Belvedere PM around $2,700, the 233 around $3,200, the Saïgon Mini around $3,500, and the Jouvence PM around $1,260. Prices have increased an average of approximately 4% annually over the past fifteen years, with a significant 20% jump in 2023.

For buyers in Dubai, the UAE's 5% VAT compared to European rates of 19% to 25% provides a genuine cost advantage on Goyard purchases. Browse the full Goyard collection at Konesseur for current availability and AED pricing, or explore our wider luxury handbag selection.

Which Goyard Bag Should You Buy First?

If you've never owned a Goyard bag and you want to start somewhere that gives you the broadest sense of what the brand does, the Anjou PM is the strongest first purchase. It gives you both the Goyardine experience and the Chevroches leather experience in one reversible bag. It's practical for everyday use, visually distinctive, and it holds its value well.

If budget is a consideration, the Saint Louis PM is the classic entry point and remains one of the best lightweight totes in luxury. If you don't carry a tote and prefer hands free, the Belvedere PM for everyday or the 233 for a more refined option are the best crossbody starting points. If you want a statement piece that sits at the top of the Goyard hierarchy, the Saïgon Structuré is the collector's choice. And if you want to start small and see whether Goyard's materials resonate with you before committing to a full bag, the Jouvence MM is the perfect introduction.

Every Goyard piece at Konesseur is authenticated and available with worldwide shipping from our boutique at Box Park on Al Wasl Road, Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goyard Bags

What is the most popular Goyard bag?

The Saint Louis tote is the most popular Goyard bag globally and the model most associated with the brand. Its lightweight Goyardine canvas, accessible pricing, and wide colour range make it the default entry point for most buyers. The Saïgon is the most coveted model among collectors.

Is Goyard more expensive than Louis Vuitton?

Goyard and Louis Vuitton occupy similar price ranges for comparable products, but Goyard's limited distribution, lack of advertising, and boutique only sales model create a perception of greater exclusivity. A Goyard Saint Louis PM and a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM are in a similar price bracket, but the Goyard is harder to acquire because it cannot be purchased online through the maison.

Why doesn't Goyard advertise?

Goyard has never advertised in its 170 year history. The brand relies entirely on word of mouth, editorial coverage, and the visibility of its products being carried by discerning buyers. This deliberate restraint is a core part of Goyard's identity and contributes to the exclusivity that supports resale values.

Can I buy Goyard online?

Goyard has recently expanded limited online sales through its own website for certain products and regions, but availability remains restricted. Purchasing through an authorised reseller like Konesseur offers immediate availability, authentication, and worldwide shipping without the uncertainty of boutique stock.

What is Goyardine canvas?

Goyardine is Goyard's proprietary coated canvas featuring the hand painted chevron pattern created by Edmond Goyard in 1892. The chevrons are inspired by the log drives of the Morvan Forest. The canvas is woven from cotton, linen, and hemp, then coated for water resistance and durability. Each colour is hand painted, making every piece subtly unique.

Do Goyard bags hold their value?

Yes. Goyard bags are among the strongest value holders in the luxury handbag market, supported by limited distribution, no advertising, boutique only sales, and consistent price increases averaging approximately 4% annually. The Saïgon and limited edition pieces perform best on the secondary market, often exceeding retail. Standard models like the Saint Louis and Anjou retain strong percentages of their retail value.

What is the difference between the Goyard Anjou and Saint Louis?

The Saint Louis has a cotton and linen canvas interior. The Anjou has a full Chevroches calfskin leather interior. This makes the Anjou reversible (you can carry it leather side out), gives it more body, adds thicker handles, and commands a higher price. The Saint Louis is lighter, more affordable, and the classic choice. The Anjou is the upgraded version for buyers who want two looks from one bag.

Is the Goyard Belvedere for men?

The Belvedere is unisex, but it has become one of Goyard's most popular models with male buyers. The messenger silhouette, simple closure, and crossbody functionality make it a natural choice for men who want a hands free bag with heritage credentials and no overt branding.

What is the Goyard 233 bag?

The 233 is a compact crossbody bag named after Goyard's historic address at 233 Rue Saint Honoré, Paris. It features a saddle bag silhouette, an adjustable four eyelet strap for shoulder or crossbody wear, and the Goyard seal clasp (a miniature of the seal on the maison's trunk plaques). It's more refined than the Belvedere and transitions well from day to evening.

Can Goyard bags be personalised?

Yes. Goyard offers hand painted stripes and initials on most bags through its official boutiques. Personalisation is done by Goyard's artisans and adds exclusivity that typically increases resale value. Pieces purchased through resellers like Konesseur are offered in their existing colourways without additional personalisation but with the advantage of immediate availability.

Why buy Goyard in Dubai?

Dubai's 5% VAT gives buyers a meaningful cost advantage over European markets (19% to 25% VAT) and the United States. On a Goyard bag, the absolute tax saving in Dubai can amount to several hundred dirhams depending on the model. Purchasing through Konesseur adds authentication confidence, immediate availability, and worldwide shipping.

What is the cheapest Goyard bag?

The Jouvence PM toiletry bag is one of the most accessible Goyard pieces at approximately $1,260 USD retail. It's a genuine Goyardine canvas piece with full Goyard craftsmanship at a fraction of the price of a full handbag, making it an ideal introduction to the brand or a strong gift option.