In our particular circumstances, I would value a video setting out what one needs to do when arriving in France with a visa, such as
property taxes
income tax
setting up utilities
registering for medical treatment
getting on the list for the Mairie’s welcome drinks 
I’m sure I’ve missed loads
Why a video?
The slight difficulty is although there are national “rules” many things are very variable at local level, and some things change according to your circumstances.
And it would be a very long video!
I personally would take each item separately (although some are linked) and start with the golden rule of living in France which is to have your dossier available and up to date at all times, and in electronic and paper forms.
Plus buy a scanner, a filing cabinet and a back up hard drive
There’s a really great website with loads of good information about moving to and living in France. It has a search feature too and a lot of very knowledgeable and helpful people. It’s name escapes me at the moment…
Frankly, seeing the remarks some folk make about their Mairies and the poor/non-existant service their Mairies provide…
I reckon that anyone house-hunting… should include a visit and discussion at “their” Mairie… to see just how helpful/useful it is (or isn’t)
From my own experience… I can’t imagine living in a countryside location without a helpful Mairie.
If you need your hand held, here’s someone who might be able to help, for a fee. Bear in mind they are not “qualified” so are not going to be insured etc, and so there is no comeback if they give you poor advice, but if you just want to know how to go about registering with a doctor etc, they may be able to make your lives easier.
Remembering of course that they can change every 5 years.
Most have an annual « cérémonie des voeux » that is worth attending to find out what’s going on. I would be surprised if many places have ‘Welcome drinks’ as people coma and go all the time.
it’s the elected council which changes (every 6 years around here) … according to the whim of the local electorate…
not the Mairie Staff… they are government employees…
Of course, but the Maire sets the tone.
He/she can set the tone… but the government employees have their work to do…
It can be a battle… a fine balance… or a tasteful duet…
thankfully our Government Employees all want to make the most of their careers… and best serve the residents of their commune…
and the various Maires have been pleased to support them in this… over many, many years.
We’ve only changed our Maire through death (somewhat drastic way of leaving one’s post… )
Same here, at the end of last year, not long after I asked him about having to pay in advance for a double cemetary plot. He said come and see me at the time. 
As he was cremated I did wonder if he had taken his own advice and left it too late to get his own accommodation. ;-(
He was a very nice man though but perhaps a sufferer from shyness.