We present preliminary results of 78 new heat flow measurements collected on a transect across the centralLigurian Basin (South France to Corsica margins). The basin-wide flux has an average of 79¿21 mWm-2 with significant local and regional variability. Correction for the deposition of up to 5 km of post-rift sediment gives a mean value of 102 mWm-2 which is similar to values for normal oceanic crust of the same age (21 Ma). The total tectonic subsidence (TTS) calculated for the region with probable oceanic crustal structure is comparable to or somewhat great than 21 Ma crust of the major ocean basins. The heat flow data overall are compatible with the observed TTS in showing substantial lithospheric thinning, but do not tightly constrain thermal models of continental extension and rifting.