The Bay of Biscay: The Atlantic Gauntlet

Leg 3.1: Brest to Audierne (50 NM - SPLIT)

Better: Brest to Camaret-sur-Mer (20 NM, 3 hours)

CAMARET-SUR-MER, FRANCE [QR-414]

• Protected harbor
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 Le Styvel [QR-415] - Seafood, €30-45
• Vauban Tower (UNESCO) [QR-416]

Then: Camaret to Audierne (30 NM, 4-5 hours)

AUDIERNE, FRANCE [QR-417]

• Small fishing port
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 Restaurant Le Goyen [QR-418] - Excellent seafood, €40-60

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Leg 3.2: Audierne to Concarneau (35 NM, 5 hours)

CONCARNEAU, FRANCE [QR-419]

• Walled city on island
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 L'Amiral [QR-420] - Seafood, harbor views, €35-55
• Ville Close [QR-421] - Fortified medieval town

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Leg 3.3: Concarneau to Lorient (35 NM, 5 hours)

LORIENT, FRANCE [QR-422]

• Famous for sailing, Vendée Globe
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 Le Jardin Gourmand [QR-423] - Michelin star, €80-110
• La Base des Sous-Marins [QR-424] - WWII submarine base, €8

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Leg 3.4: Lorient to Belle-Île (20 NM, 3 hours)

BELLE-ÎLE, FRANCE [QR-425]

• Le Palais harbor
• Marina: €40-50/night
• 🍴 Le Contre Quai [QR-426] - Island cuisine, €35-50
• Aiguilles de Port Coton [QR-427] - Dramatic rocks painted by Monet
• Stay overnight - Beautiful island

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Leg 3.5: Belle-Île to La Rochelle (75 NM - SPLIT)

Better: Belle-Île to Les Sables-d'Olonne (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

LES SABLES-D'OLONNE, FRANCE [QR-428]

• Vendée Globe start/finish
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 La Plage [QR-429] - Beachfront, €30-50
• Vendée Globe Museum [QR-430] - Racing yachts, €8

Then: Les Sables to La Rochelle (35 NM, 5 hours)

LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE [QR-431]

Marina: Minimes Marina
Coordinates: 46°09'N, 1°09'W
Berth Cost: €40-55/night

Beautiful historic port, towers

🍷 La Yole [QR-432] - Michelin star, seafood, €85-120
🍴 André's [QR-433] - Classic brasserie, €30-50

Tours de La Rochelle [QR-434] - Medieval towers, €10
Aquarium La Rochelle [QR-435] - Excellent aquarium, €17
Old Town [QR-436] - Arcaded streets, free to walk

Stay 2 nights - Beautiful city

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Leg 3.6: La Rochelle to Royan (60 NM, 8 hours - long)

ROYAN, FRANCE [QR-437]

• Resort town
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 Le Relais de la Mairie [QR-438] - French cuisine, €35-50
• Near Bordeaux wine region

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Leg 3.7: Royan to Arcachon (60 NM, 8 hours - long)

ARCACHON, FRANCE [QR-439]

• Famous for oysters
• Marina: €38-48/night
• 🍴 Chez Pierre [QR-440] - Oysters, seafood platters, €40-65
• Dune du Pilat [QR-441] - Largest sand dune in Europe, free, spectacular

Stay 2 nights - Dune du Pilat worth it

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Leg 3.8: Arcachon to Capbreton (100 NM - SPLIT INTO TWO)

Leg A: Arcachon to Biscarrosse-Plage (50 NM, 7 hours)

BISCARROSSE-PLAGE, FRANCE [QR-442]

• Small marina
• €30-40/night

Leg B: Biscarrosse to Capbreton (50 NM, 7 hours)

CAPBRETON, FRANCE [QR-443]

• Surf town
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 Le Régalty [QR-444] - Seafood, €35-50

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Leg 3.9: Capbreton to San Sebastián, Spain (60 NM, 8 hours - long)

Crossing into Spain!

SAN SEBASTIÁN (DONOSTIA), SPAIN [QR-445]

Marina: Real Club Náutico
Coordinates: 43°19'N, 1°59'W
Berth Cost: €45-60/night

One of Spain's culinary capitals, beautiful beach

Where to Eat:

🍷 Arzak [QR-446]

• 3 Michelin stars
• One of world's best restaurants
• Book months ahead
• Cost: €250-350

🍷 Martin Berasategui [QR-447]

• 3 Michelin stars (nearby)
• €250-350

🍴 Pintxos (Tapas) Bars in Old Town [QR-448]

• Bar Nestor, La Cuchara de San Telmo, Gandarias
• Hop between bars, try everything
• Cost: €3-5 per pintxo
• Essential San Sebastián experience

🍴 Bodegón Alejandro [QR-449]

• Traditional Basque
• €50-75

What to See:

La Concha Beach [QR-450]

• One of Europe's most beautiful city beaches
• Walk the promenade
• Free

Monte Igueldo [QR-451]

• Funicular to hilltop
• Panoramic views
• €4

Old Town (Parte Vieja) [QR-452]

• Narrow streets, pintxos bars
• Free to wander

Aquarium [QR-453]

• Oceanarium, €13

Stay 2-3 nights - World-class food city, beautiful setting

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Leg 3.10: San Sebastián to Bilbao (50 NM, 7 hours)

BILBAO (Getxo), SPAIN [QR-454]

Marina: Getxo Marina (outside city)
Coordinates: 43°20'N, 3°02'W
Berth Cost: €40-55/night

Industrial city transformed, Guggenheim Museum

Train/metro to Bilbao city center: 20 minutes

Where to Eat:

🍷 Azurmendi [QR-455]

• 3 Michelin stars (outside city)
• Sustainable cuisine
• Book ahead
• Cost: €250-350

🍴 Café Iruña [QR-456]

• Historic café in city
• Pintxos, traditional
• Cost: €20-35

What to See:

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao [QR-457]

• Iconic titanium building
• Modern art collection
• Entry: €17
• Allow 2-3 hours
• Don't miss

Old Town (Casco Viejo) [QR-458]

• Medieval streets, pintxos bars
• Free

Stay 2 nights - Guggenheim alone worth it

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Leg 3.11: Bilbao to Santander (45 NM, 6 hours)

SANTANDER, SPAIN [QR-459]

• Marina: €40-50/night
• 🍴 El Serbal [QR-460] - Michelin star, €85-120
• Magdalena Peninsula [QR-461] - Park, palace, beach

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Leg 3.12: Santander to Gijón (60 NM, 8 hours - long)

GIJÓN, SPAIN [QR-462]

• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 Auga [QR-463] - Michelin star, €80-110
• Roman baths [QR-464] - Free

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Leg 3.13: Gijón to La Coruña (100 NM - SPLIT INTO TWO)

Leg A: Gijón to Cudillero (30 NM, 4 hours)

CUDILLERO, SPAIN [QR-465]

• Picturesque fishing village
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 La Atalaya [QR-466] - Seafood, views, €30-45

Leg B: Cudillero to La Coruña (70 NM, 9 hours - still long)

Or split again: Cudillero → Luarca (20 NM) → Viveiro (50 NM - still long!)

LA CORUÑA (A CORUÑA), SPAIN [QR-467]

Marina: Marina Coruña
Coordinates: 43°22'N, 8°24'W
Berth Cost: €38-50/night

Historic Galician city

🍴 O Bebedeiro [QR-468] - Michelin star, €85-120
🍴 Pulpeira de Melide [QR-469] - Galician octopus, €20-35

Tower of Hercules [QR-470] - Roman lighthouse (UNESCO), €3
Beaches [QR-471] - Orzán and Riazor beaches

Stay 2 nights

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Leg 3.14: La Coruña to Bayona (60 NM, 8 hours)

BAYONA (BAIONA), SPAIN [QR-472]

• Beautiful Galician port
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 Parador de Baiona [QR-473] - Castle hotel restaurant, €40-65
• Monte Real Castle [QR-474] - Walk ramparts

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Leg 3.15: Bayona to Vigo (15 NM, 2 hours)

VIGO, SPAIN [QR-475]

• Major Galician city
• Marina: €35-45/night
• 🍴 Maruja Limón [QR-476] - Michelin star, €85-120
• Cíes Islands day trip [QR-477] - Paradise islands, ferry

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Leg 3.16: Vigo to Viana do Castelo, Portugal (45 NM, 6 hours)

Crossing into Portugal!

VIANA DO CASTELO, PORTUGAL [QR-478]

Marina: Marina de Viana
Coordinates: 41°41'N, 8°50'W
Berth Cost: €30-40/night

Charming Portuguese town

🍴 Camelo [QR-479] - Traditional Portuguese, €25-40
Santuário de Santa Luzia [QR-480] - Basilica on hill, funicular, views

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Leg 3.17: Viana to Porto (Leixões) (30 NM, 4 hours)

PORTO (LEIXÕES), PORTUGAL [QR-481]

Marina: Marina de Leixões
Coordinates: 41°11'N, 8°42'W
Berth Cost: €35-45/night

Portugal's second city, port wine capital

Train/metro to Porto center: 20 minutes

Where to Eat:

🍷 The Yeatman [QR-482]

• Michelin-starred
• Port wine hotel restaurant
• Stunning views
• Cost: €90-130

🍴 Casa de Pasto da Palmeira [QR-483]

• Traditional, authentic
• Cost: €20-30

🍴 DOP [QR-484]

• Fine dining
• Cost: €60-85

What to See:

Ribeira District [QR-485]

• UNESCO old town
• Colorful riverside
• Free to wander

Port Wine Cellars [QR-486]

• Vila Nova de Gaia (across river)
• Tours & tastings
• €10-20

Livraria Lello [QR-487]

• One of world's most beautiful bookstores
• Inspired Harry Potter
• Entry: €5

Dom Luís I Bridge [QR-488]

• Iconic double-deck bridge
• Walk upper level
• Free

São Bento Station [QR-489]

• Stunning azulejo tiles
• Free

Stay 2-3 nights - Beautiful city, port wine culture

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Leg 3.18: Porto to Figueira da Foz (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

FIGUEIRA DA FOZ, PORTUGAL [QR-490]

• Beach resort
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 A Casa dos Grelhados [QR-491] - Grilled fish, €25-40

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Leg 3.19: Figueira to Peniche (80 NM - SPLIT)

Leg A: Figueira to Nazaré (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

NAZARÉ, PORTUGAL [QR-492]

• Famous for giant waves (winter)
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 A Tasquinha [QR-493] - Traditional, €20-35
• Sítio viewpoint [QR-494] - Funicular, dramatic cliffs

Leg B: Nazaré to Peniche (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

PENICHE, PORTUGAL [QR-495]

• Surf town
• Marina: €28-38/night
• Berlengas Islands [QR-496] - Day trip, paradise island

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Leg 3.20: Peniche to Cascais (45 NM, 6 hours)

CASCAIS, PORTUGAL [QR-497]

Marina: Marina de Cascais
Coordinates: 38°41'N, 9°25'W
Berth Cost: €40-55/night

Upscale resort town near Lisbon

Train to Lisbon: 30 minutes, €2.25

🍴 Furnas do Guincho [QR-498] - Michelin star, €90-130
🍴 Mar do Inferno [QR-499] - Seafood, €35-50

LISBON EXCURSION [QR-500]

Essential Lisbon Highlights:

Belém Tower [QR-501] - UNESCO, €6
Jerónimos Monastery [QR-502] - UNESCO, stunning, €10
Pastéis de Belém [QR-503] - Original pastel de nata, €1.20 each
Alfama District [QR-504] - Old town, Fado music
Tram 28 [QR-505] - Iconic yellow tram, €3
São Jorge Castle [QR-506] - Hilltop castle, views, €10

Where to Eat in Lisbon:

• 🍷 Belcanto [QR-507] - 2 Michelin stars, €180-250
• 🍴 Cervejaria Ramiro [QR-508] - Seafood institution, €40-60
• 🍴 Time Out Market [QR-509] - Food hall, various prices

Stay 3-4 nights in Cascais for proper Lisbon experience

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Leg 3.21: Cascais to Sines (90 NM - SPLIT)

Leg A: Cascais to Sesimbra (25 NM, 3-4 hours)

SESIMBRA, PORTUGAL [QR-510]

• Fishing village
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 Farol [QR-511] - Grilled fish, €25-40

Leg B: Sesimbra to Sines (65 NM, 8-9 hours - still long)

SINES, PORTUGAL [QR-512]

• Industrial port but safe
• Marina: €25-35/night

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Leg 3.22: Sines to Lagos (80 NM - SPLIT)

Leg A: Sines to Sagres (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

SAGRES, PORTUGAL [QR-513]

• Dramatic southwestern tip of Europe
• Marina: €30-40/night
• 🍴 Vila Velha [QR-514] - Fish cataplana, €30-45
• Cabo de São Vicente [QR-515] - Europe's southwestern cape, lighthouse, dramatic cliffs

Leg B: Sagres to Lagos (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

LAGOS, PORTUGAL [QR-516]

Marina: Marina de Lagos
Coordinates: 37°06'N, 8°40'W
Berth Cost: €35-45/night

Beautiful Algarve town, stunning cliffs and beaches

🍴 Casinha do Petisco [QR-517] - Portuguese tapas, €25-40
🍴 Dos Artistas [QR-518] - Creative cuisine, €35-50

Ponta da Piedade [QR-519] - Dramatic rock formations, kayak tours
Old Town [QR-520] - Historic center, churches
Beaches [QR-521] - Praia Dona Ana, stunning

Stay 2 nights - Beautiful area

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Leg 3.23: Lagos to Vilamoura (50 NM, 7 hours)

VILAMOURA, PORTUGAL [QR-522]

• Upscale resort marina
• Marina: €45-60/night (expensive)
• 🍴 Willie's Restaurant [QR-523] - Fine dining, €60-85
• Golf, beaches, nightlife

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Leg 3.24: Vilamoura to Ayamonte/Vila Real, Spain (60 NM, 8 hours)

Cross back into Spain (border)

AYAMONTE, SPAIN / VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO, PORTUGAL [QR-524]

• Border towns on Guadiana River
• Marina: €30-40/night
• Last Portugal or first Spain depending on side

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Leg 3.25: Ayamonte to Cádiz, Spain (80 NM - SPLIT)

Leg A: Ayamonte to Mazagón (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

MAZAGÓN, SPAIN [QR-525]

• Small port
• Marina: €25-35/night

Leg B: Mazagón to Cádiz (40 NM, 5-6 hours)

CÁDIZ, SPAIN [QR-526]

Marina: Puerto de Cádiz
Coordinates: 36°32'N, 6°18'W
Berth Cost: €35-45/night

Ancient Phoenician city (1100 BC), fascinating history

🍴 El Faro de Cádiz [QR-527] - Seafood institution, €40-60
🍴 La Candela [QR-528] - Tapas, €20-35

Cathedral [QR-529] - Baroque/Neoclassical, €6
Torre Tavira [QR-530] - Camera obscura, city views, €7
Old Town [QR-531] - Narrow streets, plazas

Stay 2 nights - Historic, authentic

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Leg 3.26: Cádiz to Gibraltar (50 NM, 7 hours)

Final leg to Gibraltar!

GIBRALTAR, UK [QR-532]

Marina: Ocean Village Marina or Queensway Quay
Coordinates: 36°08'N, 5°21'W
Berth Cost: €40-60/night

British territory, iconic Rock

Where to Eat:

🍴 The Waterfront Restaurant [QR-533] - British/Mediterranean, €30-50
🍴 Bianca's [QR-534] - Italian, excellent, €25-40
🍺 The Angry Friar [QR-535] - British pub, fish & chips

What to See:

The Rock of Gibraltar [QR-536]

• Cable car to summit
• Barbary macaques (only wild monkeys in Europe)
• St. Michael's Cave
• Cable car: £16
• Allow half day

Great Siege Tunnels [QR-537]

• WWII tunnels
• Entry: £13

Main Street [QR-538]

• Shopping, duty-free

Europa Point [QR-539]

• Southernmost tip
• Views to Africa
• Free

Provisioning:

• Morrison's [QR-540]: British supermarket
• Eroski [QR-541]: Spanish supermarket in La Línea (across border)
• Duty-free prices on many items

Repair Facilities:

• Gibdock [QR-542]: Major yard
• Gibraltar Marine Surveyors [QR-543]

Formalities:

• Check in with Port Authority
• UK customs/immigration (even though you're from EU)
• Get Gibraltar courtesy flag

Stay 2-3 nights - Interesting mix of British/Spanish, good provisioning before Mediterranean

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STAGE 3 COMPLETE: Brest to Gibraltar

You've completed the Atlantic coast!

Distance: ~850 NM (coastal route)
Time: 3-5 weeks
Countries: France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar

Stage 3 Financial Summary: