The very close correlation observed on Venus between topograpy and gravity on a regional scale is clearly related to the isostatic compensation of the topographic loads. Observed gravity anomalies over topographic features of moderate lateral extent, located in the equatorial region (0¿ to 40¿ N latitude and 10¿ W to 60¿ E longitude) are somewhat larger than those computed with a model of local isostatic compensation (of Airy type). They may rather be explained by a model of compensation including elastic forces within the lithosphere which contribute to support topographic loads through elastic stresses. We have applied the theory of lithospheric flexure: to explain in wavelength and in amplitude the observed gravity anomalies, a flexural rigidity of ~4¿1028 dyne cm has been estimated for the Venus lithosphere in the rolling plains province. This value is very low compared to the oceanic terrestrial lithosphere (ranging from ~1028 dyne cm near ridge crests to ~2¿1031 dyne cm near subduction zones). The corresponding thickness of the elastic upper layer able to maintain elastic stresses for long time duration if ~7.5 km. This value may not be representative of the entire Venus lithosphere.