What is the difference between parking and camping ?

The rules

A camper van may park just like cars in parking areas. 
However it is not possible to camp everywhere. To camp means to settle, by taking out the wedge, the awning, and furnitures.  

As so you can park anywhere as long as you don't settle. Staying inside the camper van doesn't change the rule. 

The FFCC (French Federation of Camper Vans) made it clear : "Parking on public roads (street, parking lot, parking areas) means parking your vehicle for a day or a night on its four wheels without wedge and without external furniture. One important condition also applies to cars, you can't stay longer than seven days at the same spot. 

To sum up 

In order to avoid problems and misunderstandings, do not camp outside specific areas. 

The Court distinguishes parking and camping : The mere fact of parking a camper van is not a camping act. 

For further details, check out our blog article on the subject.