As you leave the hustle and bustle of Lafayette, past wide open cane fields through Maurice, you can continue south for about 7 miles on LA 330. The Bancker Grotto is what’s left of what was once the thriving community Bancker. Strategically positioned along the Vermilion River, a ferry ran across linking four plantations. Hope Mill and Gertrude Plantations were across the river on the western side, while the Cade and Live Oak Plantations were on the east side. There was a Catholic Church located on the site where the grotto now stands. The Grotto is a cave like replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. The former Our Lady of Prompt Succor church and nearby cemetery date back to the late 1800s. You can quietly walk the stations of the cross or just can sit under the oak trees.
If you prefer some river scenery, bird watching, or the sounds of nature you can take a short stroll along a boardwalk that winds through cypress and oaks, ponds and palmetto’s. You can even get a glimpse of the Vermilion River. It’s a place to enjoy the silence and reflect on your thoughts. The boardwalk ends at the Bancker Cemetery where some of descendants rest in peace. Don’t worry, the cows living next door will only watch you closely!
Continue down Live Oak Road, you’ll get some spectacular views of the Vermilion River. Trees draped with moss. Spoonbills, egrets, and other wildlife.
