I am returning from this station after a cycling tour this coming August Looking at Trainline, it appears that some go to Gare Montparnasse and also Gare Austerlitz. Is this correct? I want to reserve a hotel for my last night before going to CDG, but not sure where to book. I want easy transport, probably Le Direct Bus, both of which are near Montparnasse and Lyon. Should I arrive at Austerlitz I could just walk across the bridge and book a hotel near the stop at Boulevard Diderot. Can anybody clarify which is the final station, or does it depend on the day/time? We are being dropped off at Blois Chambord station at 10 a.m. so would be taking a train shortly afterwards. I'm seeing a train at this time of year with 1 stop and another direct, both arriving at different stations. Any help would be appreciated! Merci!
If you go through Orleans, you will end up at Austerlitz. It is more direct, but if you back track to St Pierre des Corps, you pick up a TGV that is probably nonstop to Montparnasse. The train to Austerlitz will be slower, make more stops and be cheaper, at least with a walk-up fare. Walking over the bridge to Gare de Lyon is not a problem, I did it a couple of years ago with a heavy roller board and a back pack in December.
Edit: I'm looking at the schedule. I take it you are traveling on a Saturday or a Sunday, because there are trains at 9:58 to Austerlitz and a train at 10:02 to Montparnasse. The 9:58 gets you to Paris a half hour sooner than the other, is direct, and is an Intercity train so it should be less money. They are not bookable yet, but I'd go with the train to Austerlitz. I checked for a Saturday in June when they are bookable, and the 9:58 can be had for 10 EUR nonrefundable. Its a steal.