First off, thanks to all the AF regulars who have given some great advice in the past. I'm trying to sort out, in advance, a plan for CDG transfers and lounge visits -- so any advice/commentary is welcome. And excuse me if this is repetitive or covered in other threads.

A couple of assumptions from reading this forum: First, if you are flying to a non-Schengen destination, you can pass security/immigration into any N-S terminal and then freely transfer to any other N-S terminal on the airside shuttle. This would apply if you leave the N-S area to use the 2C Arrivals lounge. And if you are coming in from a N-S country, you can use the shuttle to go to another terminal and clear immigration there.

Second: The lounge in 2D is before security, so there are no access restrictions. The lounge in 2F1 is after security, so you have to have a BP for a Schengen destination.

If that's true, the next question is if the F lounges in 2C and 2F2 are nicer than the other lounges, or just less crowded? And what is the status of the lounges in 2E?

First transit through CDG will be from 2C to 2E, with about 5 hours time. The plan now is to stop in the F lounge in 2C for some coffee, and get our bearings. Then to the Arrivals lounge in 2C for shower and pressing (seems that the comments are that this is the best place to freshen up if you have the time). Then possibly grab some real food in a restaurant and then into the non-Schengen area in some terminal. Then over to 2E for our flight.

So, are there any lounges that we should try to visit? Or any that should be avoided if at all possible? We have the time to use any that we can. And have no interest in grabbing a train into Paris and then rushing back for our flight.

Thanks for your assistance.