B767 pilot reports confusion at LFPG while attempting to follow the Alpha Loop to his assigned gate. A query to ground control does not alleviate the confusion.

Narrative

Taxiing in on alpha; we stopped after crossing the bridge on the south side with the nose slightly left. We were confused as to where taxiway alpha went; as there are no signs or ground markings. Three pilots; all not sure where to proceed. Stopped; I queried ground control as to which way to proceed; he said proceed straight ahead. We proceeded straight ahead; turns out alpha bends left. No signs; no ground markings; and ground control telling us to proceed straight ahead. The aircraft nose was pointed almost directly east where we stopped. Well; we proceeded ahead as directed; and then he says we missed alpha; so we made a left on victor and had to go around the whole circle again. I don't think I could have asked ground in any clearer terms (from what I recall); but obviously we had a language/understanding issue. I suggest the briefing page have verbiage to the effect that taxiway alpha follows a counter clockwise circle around the perimeter of the satellite terminals. The airport diagrams poorly reflect the status of this taxiway.