Operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français (SNCF),[1] it was a first-class-only Trans Europ Express (TEE) until 1984 and then a two-class Rapide until discontinued, circa 1990.

At the next timetable change, the Aquitaine was downgraded to a two-class InterCity/Rapide train,[2] and not operating between late June and early September.

[2] Aquitaine was still operating as a Rapide in 1988, Mondays to Fridays only,[3] but was discontinued entirely with the introduction of through TGV service between Paris and Bordeaux, around 1990.

[4] The train's formation of rolling stock was a rake of SNCF Grand Confort coaches [fr],[1] being an A4Dtux, two A8tu, four A8u, one A3rtu, and one Vr.

Throughout the Aquitaine's existence, its dining car was staffed by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL).