Thibodaux resident gets in touch with roots

Published: Friday, August 1, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 1, 2008 at 11:49 a.m.

Thibodaux resident Marlene Breaux Toups plans on getting in touch with her roots this September.

Literally.

Toups is visiting Loudon, France, where her ancestors lived centuries ago before moving to Nova Scotia to find work.

The former Thibodaux High English and publications teacher is taking the trip with her husband, Dan, and a small group of local residents in observance of the 30th anniversary of the twinning, or pairing, of Thibodaux and Loudon.

She has traveled to France on two separate occasions -- the first time to Paris and the second time to Loudon.

The trip has taken on added significance, she said, since Canadian genealogist Robert Breaux traced her family lineback to Vincent Breaux, who lived in Loudon around the 17th century.

"It really gives me a sense of my roots," Toups, who speaks fluent French, said of returning to Loudon. "Itís almost like visiting relatives. At night, we all sit around and talk like weíre visiting family."

She added she enjoys the scenery of Loudonís valleys and castles, the fresh food and the hospitality of people there.

"The people treat us all like royalty," Toups said.

In return, she and her husband open their homes for French residents every year.

"You hear so much about the ugly French or the ugly Americans, but people are people. If you get to know them, you are likely to have something in common," Toups said, adding the French people enjoy Cajun food and the fact