Thanks so much for your help, Sophie. I'll have to send you photos from the lavender fields of Provence!

I called the owner in Nice yesterday, and this seems to be her first transaction on HomeAway, so she is not certain how she would like the funds transferred. I am thinking of paying the initial deposit to reserve the apartment by credit card or a cash transfer through PayPal. Is there any difference between sending money from one's own bank or sending cash through PayPal? From what I have been reading on the HomeAway website, they suggest not to send cash, however almost all the situations they discuss involve domestic locations, not overseas rentals.

The owner is also requesting a $200.00 security deposit, and I'm not sure how to send that.