The statue of the " Gambrinus " KING in Toulouse !!! .
- Franck BRUGUIERE
- Dec 9, 2025
- 2 min read
INTRODUCTION :
Another wonderful surprise that Toulouse has to offer.
Between the so-called " Tounis " quay and the area known as " La Garonnette " in Toulouse, a statue can go unnoticed if you don't look up.
I'm going to set out to discover it with you !!! .
HISTORY :
Before talking about this statue, to better understand its presence in downtown Toulouse, we need to discuss a bit of history.
Indeed, in the 19.th century, the inhabitants of the Pink City enjoyed both wine and beer.
It was during this time that the latter was introduced to Toulouse and embraced by everyone !.
Because of the Franco-Prussian War, many Alsatians came to settle in Toulouse and established no fewer than 30 breweries throughout the city.
That quality of the local beer , which had been poor, then became excellent !!! .
It is in the building that once housed the " Strasbourg " brewery that the so-called statue of King of Flanders " Gambrinus " Stands.
This famous king is very well known in Belgium, but who is he really ?
That's what we are going to explore together.....
-The statue :
Carved into the white stone is the depiction of a bearded man wearing a crown on his head, holding a beer mug one hand and a sword under his arm.
He looks into the distance and smile broadly.
The beautiful period blue entrance, just imagine the carriages leaving the brewery, filled with barrels of beer.
-History :
According to legend, this mythical King of Flanders, adored by beer lovers, had made a pact with the devil and tis obtained hops to brew beer.
He became a beloved figure for all beer enthusiasts .
That is why he gave his name to numerous breweries around the world.
In Belgium, he even has his own celebration, which takes place on April 11.
The Evolution of Breweries in Toulouse :
Due to heavy competition in the 1950s, many breweries disappeared.
Thanks to " Georges Haffner " , who had passsed on his expertise at the time to " Alain Cayvela " , beer continues to thrive in Toulouse.
The latter, founder of " Les Frères Brasseurs ", has been producing since 2001 in " Aucamville " , a suburb of Toulouse, two traditional local beers that had disappeared since 1975 : " La TOLOSA and la TAMEA " .
Son shall we go have a little beer together ? Cheers !!! .
Adress : 10, rue du Pont De Tounis 31 000 Toulouse .
Welcome in Toulouse.
The blog from Toulouse.
Best regards, Franck.
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