Introduced in 1960, it was operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français ("French National Railway Corporation") (SNCF).

In autumn 1968, a second train carrying the same name was added, operating in the morning in both directions on the route.

In 1970, Le Capitole was integrated into the Trans Europ Express (TEE) system.

The morning TEE departed from both Paris and Toulouse at 7:45 a.m. and operated daily except Sundays.

Le Capitole was discontinued in 1991, one year after the introduction of through TGV service between Paris and Toulouse via Bordeaux, a portion of which followed a higher-speed line.