On the south bank, between Sancerre and La Charité-sur-Loire, I ride parallel to the future EuroVelo 6 route through Herry. As I come closer to the farm at Les Barreaux, the speed-limit signs take on an exotic air, with black buffaloes or kangaroos on a yellow background. Thus, I discover a motley world full of animals that you would not expect to see in this area: ostriches, llamas and African cows! Françoise Delcourt provides bed and board, allowing cycle tourists to take a peaceful break and taste farmhouse delicacies (foie gras, rillettes and duck sausage), visit the farm and watch its unusual inhabitants. On request, she also will make you a picnic lunch for the next leg of your journey. And cyclists who are having problems with their bike will soon be able to avail themselves of a specialist workshop.