We too are surrounded by Charollais cattle and like all cows they can be very protective whilst with their new calves.
We also had a difficult peasant family living as neighbours. The youngest son had no driving licence and went everywhere in his ancient Fiat tractor.
Eventually Madame died and the fermette has been bought by her grandson who is training to be an orthopaedic surgeon in Dijon.
He is restoring the buildings and has tidied up the usual peasant mess. All this is to the good, but in the summer the family have large parties and our dog, which we rescued from the same farm before she was going to be shot, excitedly barks at each departing car.
We do not live in the village, but have made wonderful French friends and have been warmly welcomed.