[1] The derby is so-named because Bordeaux and Toulouse are the two major cities in south-western France, both which are situated on the Garonne River.

The consistency and competitiveness of the rivalry developed following Toulouse's return to Ligue 1 after being administratively relegated to the Championnat National in 2001.

Bordeaux and the current incarnation of Toulouse first met on 20 October 1946 and, due to the clubs' proximity to each other, being separated by 244 kilometres (152 mi), a competitive rivalry developed.

However, in a span of 14 minutes in the second half, striker Johan Elmander of Toulouse converted a hat trick to even the match at 3–3.

[2] The Derby de la Garonne can also refer to matches involving local clubs within the city of Toulouse.