places to stay and visit between the Dordogne and Paris?

Chartres or Giverny? That's a choice being debated on this thread.

Or half-timbered Bourges plus the castle-under-construction at Guedelon? They're in Rick's book, and on one of our tours, and not much detour off the fastest driving route.

Early in the drive, you can also make a stop at Oradur-sur-Glane .

We like Burgundy and have stopped in Semur en Auxois on a trip from the south, have stayed at a little inn on a river near Avalon, Moulin des Ruats, and last trip we stayed in Auxerre the night before heading into Paris. These were all great spots. We liked Semur so much we later went there for a week. Very close to the Dordogne we stopped for a night at a lovely hotel in Uzerches but that is probably too close to where you start.

Orador Sur Glan is a great suggestion as is Guedelon.

Thank you very much.

How about Saint-Émilion? From Dordogne, drive to Saint-Émilion for a couple of nights and enjoy this charming medieval village with amazing wine. Then dropped off your rental car in Bordeaux and catch a fast train back to Paris.

If I were in your position, I would likely do as Christine suggested.