As it turns out, the platforms at Gare de l'Est are so long, that there are two metro stations…read morealong it, one at the concourse, and this one about half-way along the platforms. Well, that is probably exaggerating, though come to think of it, they are pretty long. I believe you can actually get to Gare de l'Est from here without walking outside the station (though unfortunately I don't believe you have access to the middle of the platforms, not that I have checked that out). Anyway, it's cool, and the neighbourhood around it does appear to be rather nice.