You’ve not mentioned the route we (or at least I), used last time, which was from St Malo to Pau. Portsmouth to St Malo ferry is a bit more money than to Cherbourg or Caen, but that was cancelled out by less tolls and fuel......
I don’t think Bilbao would be cost effective, without checking- Because of the ferry cost.
And sounds like it’s worth going again for the ‘almond wrapped in chocolate with added raspberry, ginger and Armagnac!!! Sounds perfect to me....
