Äponem means happiness in Pataxo and Amélie Darvas and Gaby Benicio definitely found their bliss in this inn of a 17C former presbytery. They stumbled across it by accident when on holiday in the region and it has become, in their own words, their “life project”. “Get back to the basics, to ourselves and to home-grown produce”, such is the goal of chef Darvas, originally from Paris, who is committed to working with ingredients sourced only from the local market and their own garden (seven permaculture gardens in all!). Amélie’s bold, transparent cuisine is perfectly paired with the insightful suggestions of fine regional wines by Gaby, a trained sommelière. Meals are served in the spruce interior overlooking the magnificent countryside or on the patio, shaded by a climbing wisteria. More than a restaurant, Äponem is a life project