Helen of Sidon?

Come to think of it, what was Paris doing with Helen in Sidon anyway? Sidon is not on the way from Sparta to Troy. Maybe Herodotus has a point: did Homer know?

This heard, she [Hecuba, Priam's wife] gave command; and summon'd came
Each noble matron, and illustrious dame.
The Phyrgian queen to her rich wardrobe went,
Where treasure'd odors breath'd a costly scent.
There lay the vestures, of no vulgar art,
Sidonian maids embroider'd every part,
Whom from soft Sidon youthful Paris bore,
With Helen touching on the Tyrian shore.