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The Hortillonnages are a series of floating gardens in the heart of Amiens, criss-crossed by over 60 km of canals. They can be explored by boat. Here, we will walk around them.

A circular route in the Jurvielle Valley that will take you effortlessly to an altitude of 1,634 metres and then, on the return journey, throughout the descent, offer you a panoramic balcony-like view of the Pyrenees mountain range, particularly Pic Perdiguère.

This sheet was created to show the new yellow markings put in place in 2024. The route has been modified at the start and in (7), and has been completely shifted to the left bank of the Balamet torrent.

The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.

The second stage of the Ténarèze, at the bottom of the Aure valley, runs alongside the Neste river through fields. In places, the path widens, suggesting the trace of the old drovers' road, particularly near the Nourde footbridge. A peaceful route that passes through several small rural villages set on a plain ideal for resting herds before the climb to the summer pastures.

Third stage of the Ténarèze. From Ancizan, follow the GR® 105 north-east, crossing summer pastures and beech woods with views of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. After Cadéac, the trail leads to Arreau, the former capital of the Aure Valley. Then take the old railway line (now disused), a flat path lined with ferns, to Fréchet-Aure. This balcony village, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", offers a panorama of the Pyrenees and a preserved pastoral heritage.

Fourth stage of the Ténarèze: this section of the route takes you back to the GR®105 from Fréchet-Aure. The route continues through Camous, a picturesque village with a rich mining heritage. You will then take a path towards Ilhet, following the old railway line, an industrial relic that adds a touch of nostalgia to the hike. The walk continues to Sarrancolin, the end point of this stage.