The Fort du Scex is a component of Fortress Saint-Maurice, which is in turn one of the three principal fortified regions of the National Redoubt of Switzerland.

With the later Fort de Cindey, it comprises a fortress complex encased in rock high above the strategic Saint-Maurice valley.

Lateral branches to the interior of the mountain lead to troop accommodations, the command post, ammunition magazines and utility areas.

[1][2] Scex is connected to the adjoining Fort de Cindey by a cut tunnel, 800m long which leads to the natural caves of the Grotte aux Fées.

[2] These guns were placed in double casemate positions,[3] and had a range of about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi), aimed due east, with a firing rate of 12 to 15 rounds per minute.