The Mistral began its existence in 1950 as a mostly steam locomotive-hauled Rapide (express train) between Paris-Gare de Lyon and Marseille-Saint-Charles.

[2] By 1965, when it was integrated into the Trans Europ Express (TEE) system,[3] it had become completely electric locomotive-hauled.

[2] In the 1970s, Le Mistral included some unique amenities, among them a "bookstall, bar and hairdressing salon".

[2] Still steam-hauled in 1964, the Mistral was one of the fastest trains in France,[10] with an average speed of 132.8 kilometres per hour (82.5 mph) on the 314.1-kilometre (195.2 mi) Paris – Dijon section, as well as an average speed of 129 km/h on its Valence – Avignon section.

[10]: 24  It also had the distinction of being the train with the "world's fastest schedule for [a route of] over 500 miles",[10]: 28  averaging 120.2 kilometres per hour (74.7 mph) on its 861.6-kilometre (535.4 mi) Paris – Marseille section.