Hi, I would like some help on how I return back to CDG after a Paris layover.

I will be departing from Zurich, connecting to Paris, for a departure flight back to US. Checking my flight, I believe this flight will depart from Terminal 2F. I have around 11 hours layover in Paris.

Here is what I plan to do:
1. From Zurich, I believe I should have the boarding pass for the Paris-US leg
2. I also believe my big luggage would be checked all the way through
3. I plan to leave a small carry-on luggage in the left luggage facility at the airport.. Based on my research, this will be at CDG Terminal 2 RER/TGV station level. So after leaving the carry on luggage, I will take the RER train to the city and do some shopping!
4. In the late afternoon, I plan to take the RoissyBus back to CDG

Here are my questions: -
Upon my arrival back at CDG after the layover, what is the order by which I should do the following:
* Should I pick up my left luggage at the RER CDG station? The left luggage is simply a handcarry that I will bring to the flight.
* Process the Detaxe / Tax Refund, or
* Go through passport control * or

If there is something wrong with my assumption, will appreciate if you can provide information. Other advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

You have it, imo, in the right order. Once you've gone through Security and passport control you can't or won't want to go back your carryon at the RER station. Detaxe is also before Security.

Well, that's how I'd do it. You absolutely want that handbag with you when you go through security, of course. And the tax refund desk is IME never after security, so I don't think you'll have any choice. So yes, the last thing you do is go through passport control (unless I'm missing something).

thanks Cathinijoetown and StCirq. So I need to pickup my luggage first.

If I am at the Sheraton RER Level, which way is it to go to departure level, detaxe?

Make sure you leave LOTS of time for tax refund. Looong lines.

For transatlantic flights and for those wanting to use the detaxe service, consider being at CDG 3½ to 4 hours before your scheduled departure. Your first stop will be the detax desk as you might need to show that any item on which you are claiming a VAT refund is in your possession and unused. These lines alone can easily reach 30 minutes or more.