The Bay of Biscay is a large body of water located off the western coast of Europe. It is bordered by France and Spain and is known for its rough waters and unpredictable weather patterns. Sometimes referred to as the Biscay Bay, synonyms for this body of water include the Cantabrian Sea, the Gulf of Gascony, and the Spanish Sea. Additionally, the Bay of Biscay is sometimes simply referred to as the Bay, especially when discussing shipping and transportation routes. Despite its sometimes treacherous waters, the Bay of Biscay is an important location for shipping, fishing, and tourism in the region.