Built in 1831, it was linked to Fort de Caluire, its less imposing twin, by an enclosure aligned with île Barbe, protecting Lyon and particularly Croix-Rousse from invaders coming up the road from the Dombes.

North was considered dangerous, so a large ravelin was built before the fort in this direction, as well as a lunette further out.

When the Germans were leaving Caluire-et-Cuire on 24 August 1944, two children, Jean Turba (1930 - 1944) and Bernadette Choux (1931 - 1944) watched their departure through field-glasses from the fort de Montessuy; soldiers still posted across the Rhône fired on them with machine guns, killing them both.

[2] The fort still exists in Caluire-et-Cuire, dans le quartier Montessuy, and has been owned by the municipality since 1972.

Its moats have been covered over by fill dirt from the excavations for the construction of the new buildings now at the heart of the Montessuy neighborhood.