How do you pay a hefty deposit in Euros to gite owners?

[Marina]

For the first time in ages we are going to a comparatively "touristy" part of France, the coast of Normandy, in high season. Previously we have frequented less popular areas, where British visitors are the talk of the bourg, and no-one has ever actually asked us to pay the caution for damage which is listed in most GdF contracts and which can be up to 300 euros.
I really don't want to tie up that amount of cash when the chances of spending it all in our dash to the ferry port are slim (time, not the ability to go mad in Carrefour, being the main hitch).
The last time we had to actually pay the deposit was in the good old days of the Eurocheque, which was returned uncashed and cost me nothing.
So what do other giteurs do? Just surrender a useful wad of foreign currenct for the fortnight, or is there a low charge, non-cash option that Gites de France are happy with?
Any advice welcomed . I just have a feeling we will have to pay up this year...

Um, last time we went we had to pay. I remember it was done via Swift (she says, not really knowing what that is - some banking term/method for moving money abroad) I remember it because it was cocked up - quelle surprise!

Hello btw

Bonjour, that solution sounds errr...promising! Thanks tink
I am going to have to ring the lady (no e-mail, quelle horreur) and ask her outright how she expects/wants the deposit. If she says cash, then I don't really have any choice.
We have been very lucky with our previous gite owners, who have been really hospitable, friendly types way out in la France profonde. I just somehow have a vibe that as we are so close to a popular resort this summer's interactions are going to be strictly business and the whole experience less cosy.

I've always paid it in cash (euros) on arrival, not a helpful answer I know.

Have had many gite holidays in Normandy/Brittany, with various different holiday companies, and always had to pay in cash. Sorry!

Thanks all. Curiously it makes me feel less hard done-by knowing that this is the norm in the more fashionable bits of France, and also (tinker's Swift fiasco apart) there is no hassle-free (for both parties) alternative to cash