My daughter and I drove around this weekend searching for cemeteries and cool places to photograph. Yesterday, we went down to Bancker, Louisiana, to what used to be a thriving plantation community south of Abbeville. This is where we found the Grotto and a memorial park still in progress.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Bancker, Louisiana

Bancker was founded in the late 1800s by families of Acadian, Spanish, German, and Danish descent. The Grotto was built in 1935 by Father DeVos to honor our Lady of Lourdes. It stand a few yards away from the cemetery.

Cemetery in Bancker, Louisiana, not far from the Grotto

The cemetery is for the most part in good to great condition. We saw people bringing flowers while we were there. These are probably some of the oldest graves there and a sign on the site dates the oldest one to 1897.

Work in progress on the walkway in Bancker, Louisiana

This walkway through the woods is under construction and certainly mosquito paradise! It goes from the Grotto to the cemetery following the river. There are a couple of places where you can actually see the river.

The Vermilion River in Bancker, Louisiana

Bancker is on the banks of the Vermilion river. There used to be four plantations there, two on each side of the river and a ferry was in operation to take people back and forth. Today, aside from the Grotto and the cemetery, there isn't much around. It is a very peaceful site worth the trip if you ever find yourself in Vermilion parish with time on your hands. Just don't forget your mosquito repellent!

Originally Posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

 

 

 
This post has been included in Louisiana Real Estate News Vermilion Parish, LA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: KW BOLD Graduates

4 Comments on The Grotto in Bancker, Louisiana

MAR
19
2012

There is so much more in this area that you didn't photograph or write about. It was, however, a nice piece.
Guy Broussard
1:47pm • #1
JUN
27

Bancker is one of the most peaceful and serene places in our area. My family owns property nearby and some of my family is buried in the cemetery there. My brother died recently and we plan to have services at the Grotto since he requested to spread his ashes in the river he so loved.

Your piece and the pictures were very well done.
LORRAINE C PEPPER
4:16pm • #2
JUN
28
185,414 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thank you Guy and Lorraine for stopping by my blog. I love driving the roads in the southern part of Vermilion parish and hope to go by the Grotto real soon.
5:43am • #3
JUL
02

Dr Saucier,

 

I was there twice within the last 4 months. I have great pics of the grotto and the graveyard. My great grandparents are buried there and I will be returning there very soon for a memorial for my uncle. I use to go there when I was young since my uncle/aunt had a beautiful house at the bend of the river. This was when the ferry still operable. If you are there when the sun sets, you can take the best pics standing at the end of the road where it meets the river. Too, I think the new walk way is now completed!
sherrie p
8:01pm • #4


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Dr. Chantal Saucier, Lafayette Area Real Estate

Lafayette, LA

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Keller Williams Realty Acadiana

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