This statue like no other is unique in the city center of Toulouse, find out why

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The large blue double door faces the entrance to the COMDT, the Occitan Center for Traditional Music and Dancein the heart of one of the most picturesque streets in downtown Toulouse.

Above, engraved in the stone, is the representation of a bearded man wearing a crown, a mug of beer in his hand and a sword under his arm. Looking into the distance, he displays a broad smile. This man, who is none other than Gambrinushas a priori nothing to do here, even if of course its presence is explained.

Who was Gambrinus?

Gambrinus, aka Jan primus, is one of the best-known figures in European mythology. King of Flanders and Brabanthe became the leading figure among beer lovers, even giving his name to many bars and other breweries. A character often inspired by very real historical figures who, alone, symbolizes the joviality of zythphiles (the name given to beer aficionados) and even has its own holiday in Belgium, April 11.

Historians have difficulty agreeing on the true identity of Gambrinus. When some argue that it could be John I of Brabantwho created Brussels faro and pure lambic, others believe that Gambrinus was actually Fearless JohnDuke of Burgundy and Count of Flanders. We also mention John IV of Brabant.

The legend of Gambrinus

Gambrinus lived at Fresnes-sur-Escaut in French Flanders. A professional carilloneur, he fiercely rang the bells in his village and everyone agreed that he was a remarkable man, although a little harsh on the sheet.

Jovial, Gambrinus was also madly in love with Flandrine, a young woman with a rather difficult first name, daughter of his master, the local glassmaker. He was so in love that one day he was unable to stop chiming.

The people of the village, despite their affection for Gambrinus, began to have enough and decided to forget their friendship for the man. They beat him badly, showered him with insults and had him imprisoned.

Gambrinus vs. the Devil

A month later, Gambrinus, more depressed than ever, was released for good behavior. He wandered like a lost soul, without his bells and deprived of his love, and tried to end his life. It was then that the Devil appeared and offered to erase Flandrine from his memory in exchange for his soul, telling him that he would not come to collect his due until 30 years later.

Not really aware of the pitfalls that long-term credit offers can pose, Gambrinus agreed to sign the pact.

Subsequently, unhappy in love, Gambrinus was happy at the games and built up a nice nest egg, without forgetting Flandrine. Disappointed, he told the Devil when he came back to see him. The Evil One then offered to teach him how to plant hops and make a carillon to which no one would be indifferent.

Determined to take revenge, Gambrinus invited all the inhabitants of the village and instead of trying to harm them, made them taste his beer and played his new carillon. Very seduced, they drank until they were thirsty and danced with unequaled intensity. The beer was rather bitter but the more people drank it, the sweeter it became. So sweet in fact that it gave Gambrinus international fame. If a magazine dedicated to beer had existed at the time, it would undoubtedly have appeared on the cover!

The king of Flanders proposed to Gambrinus to name him duke, then count and lord. Gambrinus preferred to adopt the title of King of beer. Enough to finally attract Flandrine who one day went to talk to him.

But Gambrinus, in the meantime, had forgotten it… 30 years later, the Devil returned to seek Gambrinus' soul. Clever and perhaps quite drunk, the latter played his chime so loudly that Lucifer returned to hell to escape the din.

Happy, Gambrinus continued to brew beer and play his carillon. He lived for another 100 years, had no children but lived happily… And then one day, Gambrinus took his last breath and was transformed into a barrel of beer… Logical.

But then, what is Gambrinus doing in Toulouse?

But what does this statue of Gambrinus at 10 rue du pont de Tounis mean? This is simply the last remains of an old brewery. Again, pretty logical, right?

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