The location at an altitude of 1,585 metres (5,200 ft) previously accommodated a telegraph of the Chappe system using articulating arms to send messages between Lyon and Milan, and after 1809, Venice.

[2] The Fort du Télégraphe was completed between 1886 and 1890 as a part of the Séré de Rivières system of fortifications.

[3] In 1944 the fort was used by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) as an artillery position.

The fort's peacetime barracks have been retained as high-altitude quarters for the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment (Regiment d'Artillerie de Montagne (RAM)) of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade.

[4] The Fort du Télégraphe is open for visitation during the summer months.