Gare de Toulouse Matabiau (Toulouse-Matabiau Railway Station), Toulouse

Toulouse-Matabiau Railway Station (Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau) serves as the primary railway hub in Toulouse. Located centrally within the city, the station is conveniently connected to the Toulouse Metro, specifically to the Marengo SNCF station on Line A, which provides seamless access both inside and just outside the station.

The history of Toulouse-Matabiau dates back to the mid-19th century when the Pereire brothers, Émile and Jacob, founded the Compagnie des Chemins de Fer du Midi (CF du Midi) in 1853. The railway development quickly followed, with the line from Bordeaux reaching Toulouse in 1856 and subsequently extending to Sète in 1857. This development was pivotal as Toulouse had not been connected by rail until then.

Constructed between 1903 and 1905, the current station building replaced an older, smaller structure. It was designed by Marius Toudoire, who also contributed to the Bordeaux Station, and was built using stone sourced from the ancient Roman city of Saintes. Notably, the station facade features 26 coats of arms representing the destinations served by the Midi network. The station's name, Matabiau, reflects the local borough's name, which itself originates from the martyrdom of Saint Saturnin, with "mata-bios" translating to "kill the bull."

The station is designed around two main concourses that house ticket offices, shops, and cafés, which are linked by underpasses leading to the platforms. In 1938, modifications were made to the building shortly before it was officially listed as a historic structure.