Reference books should only be used for an overview, and not as one of your major sources. Because reference book articles are short, you are not going to find the level of detail required to write a successful paper.
Circulating books offers more specific information on one major subject with lots of details in its further subdivision. You may also find lots of supporting materials via facts, personal experience or survey as well as possible some statistics. It takes you to a deeper level of research.
You may start from here:
Cambridge Encyclopedia of Africa by 
Europe Since 1945
The Facts on File Companion to the French Novel
France:a reference guide from the Renaissance to the present by 
France and the French : a modern history
French culture, 1900-1975
New Encyclopedia of AfricaOliver Wendell Holmes Library Catalog
Can't find what you are looking for at your home library? Please check out the Commonwealth Catalog.
With access to millions of titles, the Commonwealth Catalog extends your library’s reach to all participating libraries throughout Massachusetts, with convenient pick-up at your local library.
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Best of luck on your project!